Huge demand for children’s flu vaccinations prompts more sessions

Additional catch-up sessions for children’s flu vaccinations will be held across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes following high levels of demand at sessions held during the half-term holiday.

600 vaccinations were given at just four half-term clinics in Luton, Flitwick and Milton Keynes as parents flocked to get their children protected against serious illness.  Children who have not yet been vaccinated against flu this winter remain at risk as a wave of serious respiratory illness affects the UK.

The first additional session will be at Luton Wellbeing Hub (42-44 The Mall, Luton LU1 2TA) on Monday 20 February from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm, allowing pre-schoolers and those of school age alike to attend.

Dr Sarah Whiteman, Chief Medical Director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“There are many reasons your child may not yet have been vaccinated against flu.  Some children were absent from school on the day the vaccine was available from the school nursing team, or you may have changed your mind and now wish to get your child protected against flu.

“For most children, the flu vaccine is a quick and painless spray up the nose which can be given at your family doctor’s surgery or at one of our children’s flu clinics.  If the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for your child, the NHS can offer a flu vaccine injection instead.  You can check whether your child is eligible and find more information at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine.

“Flu can be very dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, especially those with certain health conditions. The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.”

Further catch-up flu clinic dates for children will be announced in the coming days.