Flu Vaccine for Children and young people
Flu can be very serious for children and young people.
This autumn, children and young people may be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine to help protect them from flu.
The nasal spray is quick, painless and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.
Who may be offered the flu vaccine?
This autumn, flu vaccination may be offered to:
- children aged 2 or 3 years old, based on their age on 31 August
- children from reception class age to school year 11
- children and young people with some long-term health conditions
- young carers
Some children may have the flu vaccine by injection instead of nasal spray if this is more suitable for them.
Children aged 2 and 3 years old
If your child is 2 or 3 years old, they may be able to have a painless nasal spray flu vaccine.
Please complete the 2 to 3 years Fluenz parent and guardian survey below
School-aged children
Children from reception class age to school year 11 may be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine.
The school or immunisation team will usually provide information about how to give consent.
Please return any consent forms as soon as possible so your child does not miss out.
Why flu vaccination matters
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can cause very serious illness, even in healthy children.
The flu vaccine helps prepare the immune system to fight the virus, reducing the risk of serious illness and complications.
Flu viruses change each year, so the flu vaccine is offered every year to give the best protection.
Getting vaccinated can also help protect family, friends and the wider community.
Common questions about the nasal spray vaccine
Can the nasal spray vaccine give my child flu?
No. The nasal spray vaccine cannot give your child flu.
It contains a weakened virus, which may cause a runny nose or a slight temperature for a day or so afterwards.
Does my child need the vaccine if they had it last year?
Yes. Flu viruses change each year, so the vaccine also changes.
This is why the flu vaccine is offered every year to give the best protection.
What if my child sneezes after having the nasal spray?
Sneezing afterwards will not affect the body’s response to the vaccine.
What if my child is afraid of needles?
Many people are afraid of needles. Please tell the nurse if your child is worried.
- help your child get comfortable
- talk about their worries
- encourage deep breaths
- bring something they like, such as a book, toy, music or film
Porcine gelatine
The nasal spray flu vaccine contains porcine gelatine.
If you do not want your child to have a vaccine containing porcine gelatine, they may be able to have the flu vaccine by injection instead.
Please contact the surgery to discuss this so your child does not miss out.
Find out more
You can find out more about flu vaccination from Public Health Wales.
If you have any questions about your child’s flu vaccine, please speak to your health visitor, GP, practice nurse or the immunisation team.
Useful leaflets and posters
The links below include further information about flu vaccination for children and young people, including Welsh language and Easy Read resources.