Dorset parents urged to ensure children get flu vaccine this winter
Children are vulnerable to flu and its complications
Parents in Dorset, and the South West, are being urged to ensure their children are given the flu vaccine this winter.
The UK Health and Security Agency’s vaccination programme has already begun, with children able to get the vaccine at schools.
Across Dorset, less than half (42.8) of all school age children (age 4 to 14 years) received the vaccine in the year 2022 to 2023.
Dr Julie Yates, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA South West, told us flu can be more than just an unpleasant illness for children.
“Young children a particularly vulnerable and more importantly to the complications of infections.
“They can become very rapidly unwell and this is why they are more commonly hospitalised when they do acquire flu.
“The best way to protect them is to get the offer of the vaccine.”
Dr Yates urged all parents to complete the consent form, which can be electronic or paper, allowing their children to be protected.
Flu rebounded last year after low levels due to Covid restrictions, saying it’s also very likely to come back this year.
“We know that the vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisaiton for those who had flu (last year) by two thirds,” she said.
Thousands of children require hospital treatment for flu or it’s complications.