Free ‘flu protection for children aged 2-3

FREE nasal spray flu vaccinations are now being offered to children aged two and three in Warrington.
Parents are being urged to protect their children from flu this winter by taking them to their GP practice to receive the free nasal spray vaccination.
Flu can be serious for young children and the vaccine helps protect them against flu and other serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Parents with a child aged two or three will be contacted directly by your GP practice to arrange an appointment.
Children in reception class and schools years 1-4 will also receive the free nasal spray vaccination in school.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the borough council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Flu can be a very unpleasant illness, especially for children as they can develop more serious complications. We want to protect our children and communities as much as we can so it’s really important that we take steps now to avoid the spread of flu over the winter months.
“We are advising that parents who have children aged two and three to respond to the invite from their GP practice and get the vaccination done as early as possible. For young children, the nasal spray vaccine is a quick, painless and effective way to be protected without the need for injections. It’s really not worth putting yourself or your family at risk.”
Dr Dan Bunstone  (pictured), local GP and chairman of NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “Flu can be horrible for young children and if they get it, they can spread it around the whole family. The free nasal spray vaccination can help protect your child from flu and also reduce the chance of flu spreading to others. I’d advise all parents/carers not to put off it off. Ask your GP about the free flu vaccine for your child now.”
For more information on how to receive the free flu vaccine contact your GP practice or visit www.nhs.uk/flu