Winter Flu FAQs

Almost all children will be able to have the vaccine as a nasal spray (up the nose), which is a quick and painless process. Serious side effects are uncommon but many children can develop a runny or blocked nose, headache, some tiredness or loss of appetite that lasts for a short period.

NHS Website - More Information

School Age Immunisation team contact details:

South East (Havant, Fareham, Gosport): southeasthantsimmunisationteam@southernhealth.nhs.uk

South West (Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Romsey, New Forest): southwesthantsimmunisationteam@southernhealth.nhs.uk

North East (Aldershot, Farnham, Rushmoor, Hart) & East Hampshire: northeasthantsimmunisationteam@southernhealth.nhs.uk

North West (Andover, Winchester and Basingstoke): northwesthantsimmunisationteam@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Does my child need to have the flu vaccination every year?

Yes, the flu vaccine for each winter helps provide protection against the strains of flu that are likely to be present and may be different from those circulating from the previous year.

Why is my child's school not having the vaccination until December?

The school age immunisation service offer the flu vaccination to children in over 600 schools. The team arrange the sessions in schools between October and December to ensure that all children are offered the vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the nasal flu vaccination is safe and effective. Evidence has shown that since the introduction of the vaccination to the childhood programme, there has been a drastic reduction of hospital visits by children.

I can't access the E Consent form.

If you are having trouble accessing the link on the letter emailed to you, click here.

I don't have an email account, how do I get my child vaccinated?

If you have a family member who has an email address, you could ask them to use this. Alternatively, you can contact your local immunisation team.

Can they still have the vaccine if they have a cold or are unwell?

The nurse will assess your child on the day of the session. If your child has a very blocked or runny nose or a high temperature the vaccination may need to be delayed. The nurse will be able to speak to you if you are unsure.

My child is home educated, can I get the vaccination at the GP?

The school age immunisation teams are contacting parents of children who are home educated and offering an appointment in a community clinic. If you have not heard anything, please contact them using the email addresses at the top of the page. If your child is in the clinical risk group, they will be able to receive the vaccine at the GP.

What happens if my child is absent on the day of the session?

The immunisation teams do not routinely revisit the school. If you have completed a consent form and your child does not receive the vaccination, you will receive an email advising you to book into a community clinic, using the reference number supplied.

I didn't fill in the form before the session, can I still get my child vaccinated?

The e-consent will re-open after the session in school, which will allow you to complete a form. Your child will need to have the vaccination in a community clinic and you will receive an email advising you how to book, using the reference number supplied.

My child is allergic to eggs, can they still have the vaccine?

If your child has been in intensive care because of their egg allergy, they will be offered an alternative vaccination. Please speak to the immunisation team if you are unsure if your child can receive the vaccine.

What if I don’t want my child to receive a vaccine containing porcine gelatine?

We are able to offer an alternative vaccine. Please contact your local immunisation team to discuss.

I don’t want my child to be vaccinated. Do I still need to complete a consent form?

Yes please. This will enable us to update your child’s record to show that the vaccine has been offered and declined.

Full Patient Information Leaflet

Winter Flu FAQs

School Age Immunisation team contact details:

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