HSE launches children’s free nasal spray flu vaccination programme for children aged 2-17 years

The HSE is launching its free nasal spray flu vaccination programme today. The vaccine is available for free for all children aged 2-17 years from participating GP practices and pharmacies. Some GP practices and pharmacies will also be offering the vaccine for free in some primary schools. The flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office says: “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children. We know that children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily to other children. Young children, in particular, are more likely than adults to be very sick from flu. Vaccinating children protects them – and their siblings, parents, grandparents and those who are vulnerable.

“Children are given the nasal vaccine by spraying the vaccine once into each nostril. It is a quick and painless spray. Children can breathe normally and many of them say that it tickles when being given. Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, quick, pain free and effective way to protect children from flu this winter. We are encouraging parents to talk to a participating GP or pharmacy about getting your child vaccinated for free.”

While most children who catch flu have mild symptoms, flu can sometimes lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis in some children. Children, especially young children, are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu.

Symptoms of flu in children can include:

• high temperature
• muscle pains
• headache
• extreme tiredness.

Visit hse.ie and search for flu finder to find a participating pharmacy offering the children’s nasal spray flu vaccine.

For more information about the children’s nasal flu vaccine visit hse.ie/flu.

The HSE is also reminding parents of children that it is safe for children to get the flu vaccine any time before or after other vaccines that are recommended for them like the 4 in 1 and MMR vaccines for children in Junior Infants.