With an expected increase in respiratory illnesses this coming winter, the UK National Health Service (NHS) is urging parents and caregivers of two and three-year-olds to schedule a flu vaccine for their children. The flu vaccine is also available for school-age children, individuals in clinical risk groups, and pregnant women.
The flu vaccine is typically administered as a quick, painless nasal spray to the majority of children. However, children who are not able to have porcine gelatin in medical products will be given an injection instead. The NHS anticipates a wave of Covid-19 infections alongside an increase of flu and other illnesses in the winter.
From 3 October, the NHS plans to include over-65s, adults in clinical risk groups and carers in their vaccination campaign. The objective of administering the flu vaccine is to safeguard those most vulnerable by the time the flu season peaks in December and January, especially as people are more likely to stay inside during this period.
This year, the NHS will introduce vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time ever to pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79. RSV is renowned for causing mild, cold-like symptoms but can bring about pneumonia and bronchiolitis in some individuals.
“The flu virus puts thousands of people in hospital each year and vaccinations help us to keep more people well,” said Steve Russell, NHS England’s national director for vaccinations and screening. “I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them.
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