This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Communications Team for the attention of Primary Schools in Slough.
Has your child had their flu vaccination yet?
If you answered ‘no’ visit one of our vaccination sessions scheduled for Saturday 14 December.
The council’s public health team has partnered with Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) to deliver two information and vaccination sessions across Slough.
Parents and carers can have their children vaccinated for free if they missed out on the vaccination when nurses visited their primary school. Vaccinations are available for all primary school aged children. The mobile vaccination unit will be on site at the following locations on Saturday 14 December:
- The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough, SL1 4UT - 10am – 12noon
- Tesco Extra, Brunel Way, Wellington Street, Slough, SL1 1XY – 12.30 - 2.30pm.
Approximately 50-100 people die each year in Slough due to the flu, including young children. This is driven in part by low vaccination rates.
In 2018/19 fewer than half of primary school children who were offered the flu vaccination at School took up the opportunity.
The council’s public health team has been raising awareness of the importance of getting vaccinated through their #IamVaccinated campaign that explores the personal reasons people have for getting vaccinated.
“Slough’s vaccination rates are low across all groups of people and this leads to increased pressure on local GPs and hospitals, lost working days and unnecessary deaths. Even very healthy people can become seriously ill from the flu – it’s not just a bad cold. Flu can be particularly severe when contracted by children so it’s very important they get vaccinated. If you would like more information about the vaccine, please talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.”
- Tim Howells, SBC Public Health Programme Officer
People who visit the mobile vaccination unit may also qualify for a safe and well visit from the fire service. Please speak to the fire crew while you are there. People can also get information and advice on Oral Health provision.
For more information, please contact the public health team on publichealthslough@slough.gov.uk