School Age Flu Vaccination

The ‘flu vaccine is a nasal spray which contains a highly processed form of gelatine (porcine gelatine), which is used in a range of essential medicines.
The gelatine helps to keep the vaccine viruses stable so that the vaccine provides the best protection against ‘flu.

Some faith groups accept the use of porcine gelatine in medical products – the decision is, of course, up to you.

If you would like to discuss this with the team, please contact us on 0300 124 5515 or email: sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net

For further information about porcine gelatine and the nasal flu vaccine, read how and why porcine gelatine is used in vaccines.

The viruses used in this vaccine are grown on hens’ eggs and the vaccine may contain very small amounts of egg protein.

Children with an egg allergy can safely have the nasal spray vaccine, unless they have had a life-threatening reaction to eggs that required intensive care.

The nasal spray vaccine has a good safety record. Unvaccinated children or adults are not at risk of catching ‘flu from the vaccine, either through being in the same room where flu vaccine has been given or by being in contact with a recently vaccinated individual.

Although vaccinated children are known to shed virus for a few days after vaccination, it is less able to spread from person to person than the natural infection. The amount of virus shed is normally below the levels needed to pass on infection to others and the virus does not survive for long outside of the body.

This is in contrast to natural flu infection, which spreads easily during the flu season.

Common side effects of this flu vaccine can include a runny or blocked nose, loss of appetite, tiredness and headaches. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you are worried about your child please contact your GP for advice. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported using the yellow card scheme at  or visit the NHS website.

If your child is in a clinical risk group, is aged between two and nine years, and has never received a flu immunisation before, they should have a second dose approximately 4 weeks from their first immunisation date. To arrange an appointment please contact the Immunisation Coordination Team on 0300 124 5515 or email us.

If your child has missed their school immunisation there will be community catch-up clinics available. Details of how to book an appointment will be sent though your child’s school.