Get your two or three-year-olds protected with the free flu nasal spray

Parents and guardians across West Northamptonshire are being urged to get their child vaccinated with the free flu nasal spray.

The call from the Public Health team at West Northamptonshire Council comes as the Government prioritises flu vaccinations for all children. Toddlers, are amongst those groups who could have serious health implications from catching flu, including the need to be hospitalised.

In 2023-2024 59% of children aged two to three, in West Northamptonshire, did not receive the vaccine, meaning a higher increase of children this age were at risk to catching flu. The West Northamptonshire Public Health Team are calling to parents and guardians to get their children booked in with their GP as soon as possible, to ensure they are protected against the contagious infection.

Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

"The flu vaccine for children is usually given as a quick and painless spray up the nose and will not cause your child to have the flu. As flu viruses change annually, a new nasal spray vaccine needs to be given each year to protect the child. If your child is unable to have the nasal spray, an alternative option can be offered.

"More than half of children aged two and three years in West Northamptonshire were not vaccinated last year. I strongly encourage all parents and guardians to get their child/children vaccinated against the flu, it is an important vaccination that will protect them, as well as stop the spread of the illness to vulnerable family members and friends."

Parents will receive an invite from their child's GP inviting them to take up the opportunity of a flu vaccine. It is important to ensure you take the time to get your child vaccinate them ahead of the colder months.

For further information, visit the: West Northamptonshire Council Immunisation page.