Parents in north Cumbria are being encouraged to get their children vaccinated for flu ahead of this winter.

The NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging parents of children across the area to arrange for a vaccination.

For most children, a simple nasal spray is all that is needed to get them protected against flu for this coming winter.

The north Cumbria CCG is stressing to parents that even if their child does not become symptomatic, they can still pass on the flu virus.

As such, vaccinating children against this coming winter's strain of flu will help to contain the spread of influenza this winter, which is more important than ever given the potential pressures set to be faced by the NHS this winter if Covid-19 retains a significant presence in communities.

Children aged two and three can receive a flu vaccination for free through their GP.

All children aged between four and eleven can receive a free vaccination at school.

Dr Helen Horton, a lead GP at NHS North Cumbria CCG, said: “Almost all children from reception age through to year 7 will be eligible to have the free vaccine as a nasal spray in school.

"A small number won’t be able to have it for medical reasons, and would need to attend their GP surgery for the injectable flu vaccine.

“Please be assured that where the vaccine is given in schools, lots of work has been carried out to ensure that social distancing and safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout the process.”

“If your child is not in school or unwell on the day that the immunisation team is there, they will be offered the opportunity to make an appointment at a clinic so they can still get the vaccination.”

The immunisation team aim to vaccinate the majority of children in the eligible year groups across the county by December 15 2020.

Parents are being asked to contact their immunisation team prior to the date of their school’s vaccinations if their child has:

- had the vaccination at the GP practice since the 1st September 2020

- has recently been unwell

- has had a change in their health

Dr Horton added: “Children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults, including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat.

"Some children can develop a very high fever, or complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which may need hospital treatment.

"If you’re worried about your child's symptoms please call NHS 111 in the first instance, as they can quickly give advice and help ensure your child receives the treatment they need."

Dr Horton stressed that the continued presence of Covid-19 makes flu vaccination particularly important for this coming winter.

“I’d urge everyone to make sure their children get the vaccine this winter, particularly with the risks that we already face from coronavirus," she said.

"It will help to protect you, your family and your community.

"Parents of two or three year olds can ask their GP about the free nasal spray, and if you have a child in primary school please remember to look out for the consent form from their school and sign and return it to ensure they get their free vaccine.”