INTRODUCTION
The children’s nasal flu vaccination is administered annually as a nasal spray, to safeguard young children from influenza. Flu can be particularly distressing for children, potentially leading to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. This annual vaccination is designed to protect children and reduce the incidence of these complications by providing immunity against the flu virus.
HOW IS THE NASAL SPRAY VACCINE GIVEN?
The vaccine is delivered as a single spray into each nostril. This needle-free method is a significant benefit for children, making the vaccination process quick, painless, and more comfortable compared to traditional injections. The nasal spray is absorbed rapidly by the body and is more effective than the injectable flu vaccine. It will remain effective even if your child experiences a runny nose, sneezing, or nasal congestion following the vaccination, ensuring continued protection against the flu.
ARE THERE ANY CHILDREN WHO SHOULD DELAY HAVING THE NASAL SPRAY FLU VACCINE?
Certain conditions may delay the administration of the children’s nasal flu vaccination:
Runny or Blocked Nose: If a child has a significant nasal blockage or a severe runny nose, it may prevent the vaccine from being fully effective. In such cases, it is advisable to wait until their nasal symptoms improve before administering the vaccine.
Wheezing: Children who are currently wheezy, or have been in the past week, should delay their vaccination until they have been wheeze-free for at least three days.
ARE THERE ANY CHILDREN WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE THE NASAL SPRAY FLU VACCINE?
The nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended for children who have the following:
- Immune System that is severely weakened
- Severe egg allergy
- Severe Asthma: This includes those using steroid tablets or high-dose inhaled steroids.
- Allergy to Vaccine Ingredients: Such as neomycin.
For children who cannot receive the nasal spray, the injectable flu vaccine may be an alternative.
WHY CHILDREN ARE OFFERED FLU VACCINE
Influenza is a prevalent infection among children and can cause significant discomfort. The symptoms of flu in children mirror those experienced by adults, including fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, nasal congestion, dry cough, and sore throat. These symptoms can persist for up to a week and can be particularly debilitating for young children.
Flu can sometimes lead to severe complications, such as high fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, and painful ear infections, which may necessitate hospitalisation. Children under the age of five are especially prone to flu-related hospital admissions. Additionally, for children with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or lung disease, flu poses an even greater risk and can lead to more severe health issues and complications.
HOW SAFE IS THE FLU VACCINE FOR CHILDREN?
The nasal flu vaccine for children has demonstrated a high safety record. Millions of children in the UK have received this vaccine safely and effectively, with few adverse effects reported. The vaccine’s safety and efficacy have been well-established through extensive use and monitoring.
HOW DOES THE CHILDREN’S FLU VACCINE WORK?
The vaccine contains live flu viruses that have been weakened in the lab so that they cannot cause flu in children. It helps build immunity against flu in a similar way as a natural infection, but without causing illness. Because flu viruses change annually, a new nasal spray vaccine is required each year, just like the injectable version.
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF FLU
By vaccinating your child with the nasal spray vaccine, you not only protect them from flu but also help to reduce the spread of the virus to family members, caregivers, and the wider community. Children, who may not always use tissues correctly or wash their hands thoroughly, are significant spreaders of flu. Vaccinating them helps to shield vulnerable populations, including infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with serious long-term health conditions..
HOW MANY FLU VACCINE DOSES DO CHILDREN NEED?
Typically, a single nasal spray dose is sufficient for most children.
Service Details
Price: Small charge
Frequency: As needed
Availability: To enquire about this service, choose your preferred Amiry & Gilbride pharmacy and visit their page or simply drop by at your convenience.
