Dear parent/guardian,

Your child’s annual flu vaccination is now due.

This vaccination programme is taking place in schools to help protect your child against flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness and sometimes causes serious complications such as middle ear infections and bronchitis.

The vaccination is free and recommended for younger children, and will be given by a quick and simple spray up the nose.

Vaccinating children not only protects them, but also protects others that are vulnerable to flu – such as babies, older people, pregnant women and people with serious long-term illnesses. Receiving the flu vaccine has historically reduced sickness levels in schools and workplaces. You can find more information at www.bit.ly/childrens-flu-vaccine.

Please find enclosed a consent form for the vaccination for you to complete.

You will receive a separate letter and consent form for each child who is eligible for this vaccination. Please complete a copy of the form for each child and return in to their school as soon as possible, by placing it in the original envelope and handing it in to the school office.

To help us with identification, please complete the form in full, clearly printing the name of the school and your name and your signature where requested.

If you decide you do not want to vaccinate your child against flu, please still complete the consent form, giving the reason why. This will help us plan and improve the service. Last year, most children offered the vaccine in schools did have the immunisation.

If you change your mind about consent, please contact us as soon as possible on 01275 373104. This must be at least two working days before the date of the immunisation session. Please note that we cannot vaccinate your child if we do not receive your consent form before the school immunisation session.

The vaccine contains a very small amount of egg protein; however studies have shown that it is unlikely that the vaccine will lead to a severe allergic reaction in any child who has an egg allergy. The vaccine also contains product derived from pigs (porcine gelatine), some faith groups accept its use in medical products – the decision is, of course, up to you. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us on sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net or 01275 373104.

A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document and other useful information is available at www.cchp.nhs.uk.

It is important that you notify us using the contact details on the front of this letter if:

• Your child receives their flu vaccination from your GP before our team visits their school
• Your child becomes wheezy or has their asthma medication increased after you return this form

You can also use these contact details if you have any queries.

COVID-19 and flu

Flu vaccination is one of the most effective interventions we have to reduce pressure on the health and social care system this winter. We are currently seeing the impact of COVID-19 on the NHS and social care, and this coming winter we may be faced with the circulation of both COVID-19 and flu. Those most at risk from flu are also most vulnerable to COVID-19. We must do all we can to help protect them this winter.

Please be assured that we will be working with your child’s school to ensure that we adhere to the latest government guidelines whilst delivering the Childhood Flu Programme.

Yours faithfully,

Immunisation Team