The school age immunisation team is working with all schools across Wirral to help protect children against flu. Members of the team are currently delivering the nasal spray flu vaccine to school age children whose parents and carers have provided consent.
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is offered every year. It is free and is a quick, simple, and painless spray up the nose. Even if your child had the vaccine last year, types of flu can vary. Each year the vaccine is adapted to protect against different strains so it is recommended to have it annually to maximise protection.
Flu is caused by the influenza virus. It can be a very unpleasant illness for children and can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people. You can find more information about the flu vaccine on the NHS website – www.nhs.uk
Consenting to your child’s nasal spray flu vaccine is easy. The electronic consent (e-consent) process is secure and convenient and can also be used to consent to other school age vaccinations, including:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio)
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- MenACWY (meningitis, blood poisoning)
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
When your child is due a vaccine in school, all parents and carers will receive a link to the e-consent form. This will be sent via an email or text from your child’s school. Upon receiving the link you can complete the form and click submit. You will then receive an email confirming consent and the immunisation team will administer the vaccine in school.
You can also consent to your child’s nasal spray flu vaccine by scanning the QR code below with your smartphone camera:
If you have problems completing the e-consent form please don’t worry – our team is here to help.
The team also offer a number of community clinics for children and young people who are educated at home, not currently in school, and for those who may have any missed vaccinations in school.
Community clinics include:
- Victoria Central Health Centre, 1st Floor Wing A, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF
Every Tuesday, 3.30pm – 6.00pm
- St Catherine’s Community Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH42 0LQ
Every Thursday, 3.30pm – 6.00pm
To book an appointment please call the team on 0151 514 2510.
If you are a parent or carer and need to speak to a member of the immunisations team for advice or guidance, or to book an appointment, please call 0151 514 2510 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.)
You can also access a range of information and support via their Facebook pages @0219HVHub and @MyHealthWirral.
