13 December 2017

The following information is from our partners at Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

It’s the time of year when colds and flu are doing the rounds in schools and nurseries and health officials are encouraging parents to take their children for a free flu vaccination.

Dr Jo Leahy a local GP and Chair of Telford and Wrekin CCG explained: “Many parents think flu is just a bad cold.  It’s not.  Flu can cause serious complications.  Every year some children with flu become extremely ill and many of these would have been protected if only they had received their free vaccination.”

Children who are eligible for flu vaccines from their local GP surgery include:

  • Children aged two and three (born between 1 September  2013 and 31 August 2015).  For younger children the vaccine is a nasal spray not an injection.
  • Children who are recently 4 years old are also eligible for flu vaccination provided they were aged three on 31 August 2017.
  • Children in reception class and school years one, two, three and four
  • Children aged 2 to 17 with long-term health conditions

Vaccinating the majority of children can help stop flu circulating amongst the wider population protecting all those into contact and stopping it spreading to friends and family.

Dr Leahy added: “If your child is showing symptoms of a cold or flu, the best thing you can do is make sure they have lots of rest and fluids.  Talk to the pharmacist about over the counter remedies.  Antibiotics will not help.  Keep them home and away from friends or family members that are over 65, are pregnant or have a long-term condition so they do not pass it on.  And if you need advice when the pharmacists are closed call 111 to talk to the NHS.  You’ll be advised on the best course of action.”

For more information on colds and flu including a symptoms checker visit NHS Choices www.nhs.uk