Chief medical officer urges parents to get their children vaccinated against flu as cases rise

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Wales’ chief medical officer has said it’s not too late for parents to get their children vaccinated against the flu.

More than 800,000 people in Wales have already been vaccinated this year, but flu cases have been on the rise over the last week, with more cases expected in the run up to Christmas.

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: “Vaccination saves lives, protects people and communities, and strengthens the resilience of the NHS.

“It is really important that everyone who is eligible, takes up their offer of a free flu vaccine this winter.

“We are seeing a new flu strain circulating and an earlier start to the flu season but there is still time to get the vaccine so please act now, to get your child protected in time for Christmas.”

The flu vaccine for children and teenagers aged between two and 16 is a nasal spray, not an injection.

Dr Chris Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “The flu nasal spray vaccine is safe, painless, and helps protect thousands of school-aged children in Wales every year. Flu can be very serious for children, but one quick spray helps keep them healthy this winter and reduces the risk of serious illness.

“Giving consent for your child to have the nasal spray vaccine is a normal part of keeping them well during the school year. It also helps protect the whole family by stopping the spread to siblings, grandparents and relatives who are more at risk.

“Nearly a million people in Wales get vaccinated against flu every year, so please make sure your child is protected too by giving consent for them to have the flu nasal spray vaccine.”

The flu vaccine is free for all children from the age of two (born before September 2023) to school year 11, as well as all children in a clinical risk group aged over six-months-old.

Meanwhile, everyone aged 65 years and older are also eligible for a flu vaccine, as are people with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, pregnant women, and carers.

Visit the Public Health Wales website to check if you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.