Why are children's flu vaccinations important?

Flu is caused by viruses and spreads easily. Anyone can get flu but children have the highest rate of infection and can spread flu to other family members. Flu can be serious for children and complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Some children may become so unwell with flu that they need to go to hospital.

Flu can be serious for children. Flu is caused by a virus and some children can develop serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Most years some children in Wales will need treatment in intensive care units because of flu. All school aged children (Reception to Year 11) will be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine this autumn/winter to help protect them from flu. It is especially important that children who have a long-term health condition get vaccinated, as they are at a greater risk of complications than other children if they catch flu.

How does a flu vaccine help?

Having a flu vaccine will help protect your child from flu. Most children and young people have their vaccine as a quick and painless nasal spray. Protection starts around two weeks after having the vaccine. The vaccine usually offers children good protection against flu. It also helps reduce the chance of children and young people spreading flu to others who are at greater risk from flu, such as young babies, grandparents, and those with long-term health conditions. Some people still get flu even after having a flu vaccine, but often with milder symptoms.

Do I need to do anything?

The best way to protect your child, and wider family, from the flu is to complete your child's e-consent (click the link at the top of this Linktree) this will allow our nurses to give your child the vaccine in their school.

Does the flu vaccine cause flu?

No, the nasal flu spray for children does not cause the flu. The vaccine contains weakened, live flu viruses that are designed to trigger an immune response without causing illness. These weakened viruses help children build immunity to the flu. Some individuals may experience mild side effects like a low-grade fever or muscle aches, but these are normal reactions of the body's immune system building protection and are not the flu itself. It takes about two weeks for the body to develop full immunity after vaccination, so it's possible to get infected with the flu before the vaccine fully protects you.

Are there any side effects to the nasal flu spray?

The flu vaccine does not cause flu, however for a day or two after vaccination, some children may: • Get a temperature • Feel tired • Have a headache • Have aching muscles • Have a reduced appetite • Get a runny or blocked nose Children and young people who need a flu vaccine injection may also have a sore arm for a day or two after vaccination. Flu vaccines are very safe and other reactions are less common. You can report suspected side effects of the vaccines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by calling the Yellow Card scheme on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

What if my child has a health condition?

If your child has one of the following health conditions, it is important they have a flu vaccine every year as they are at greater risk of complications from flu. • Conditions include: • Diabetes • A heart problem • A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma that requires regular steroid inhalers or tablets • Kidney disease (from stage 3) • Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (and also close contacts of people in this group) • Liver disease • A stroke or mini stroke • A neurological condition • A missing spleen or a problem with it • A learning disability • Young people with a higher body weight (Body Mass Index of 40 or above)

What type of flu vaccine is given to school-aged children?

Most children and young people will get their flu vaccine as a painless nasal spray as this is the best flu vaccine for them. It is a fine mist that is sprayed up the nose from the tip of each nostril and can be given from the age of two. Most children are not upset after receiving a flu nasal spray. Most children and young people who can’t have the nasal spray vaccine can have a flu vaccine injection instead. You can select this option by completing our e-consent form. Children and young people with asthma who need regular oral steroids or have needed intensive-care treatment for their asthma in the past, should be referred to a specialist for advice about receiving the nasal spray vaccine. They may need a flu vaccine injection instead.

Is there anyone who shouldn't have the nasal spray vaccine?

The nasal spray vaccine can’t be given to anyone who is: • under two years old • 18 years of age or older • pregnant • on long-term aspirin (salicylate) treatment • taking steroid tablets (currently, or in the last two weeks) or • in close contact with someone who has a severely weakened immune system (for example, after a bone marrow transplant) and is being looked after in a protected environment. The nasal spray vaccine can’t be given to anyone who has: • had a severe life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu vaccine (or any ingredient in the vaccine) • a weakened immune system • a wheezy chest on the day of the vaccination or in the previous three days • increased the use of their asthma inhalers in the previous three days

Does the nasal spray contain gelatine?

Yes, it contains small traces of highly purified porcine gelatine which is also used in a range of essential medicines. The nasal spray vaccine is the best flu vaccine for children and young people, but flu injections are gelatine-free so if you would prefer your child had this as an alternative you can select this option when completing the e-consent form.

Can my child have the vaccine if they have allergies?

Most children can have a flu vaccine if they have allergies. The person giving the vaccine will check to be sure it is safe to give. Most children and young people who are allergic to egg can receive the vaccine with no problems. The small number of individuals who have previously needed intensive-care treatment for anaphylaxis (a rare, life-threatening allergic reaction) to egg may need to be referred to a specialist. Your child may be offered a flu vaccine injection instead.

What about younger children?

For children aged 2-3 (on 31st August 2025) the flu vaccine is given at their GP surgery; in some areas of Gwent it may also be available within your child's nursery setting.