Tag: flu

Flu cases starting to stabilise but UKHSA urges people to take measures to reduce further spread over Christmas

Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses as people are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves

Flu levels are beginning to stabilise for the first time this season, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). After an early start to the season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, the flu positivity rate is starting to decrease.

These are encouraging signals but it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures, with limited time now left to get a flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

Flu is an unpredictable virus and while there is currently evidence that it is plateauing, the flu season is not yet over with the virus previously peaking well into January and February. Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated now will help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.  

There are simple measures that can be taken to help reduce the spread of flu this winter. Washing your hands regularly, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated and if you have symptoms, stay home where possible. If you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.  

Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those with certain long-term health conditions.

For children who missed out on their school immunisation programme, parents are reminded that they can still get them vaccinated in local community clinics. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.

Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.

“There are simple steps we can all take to protect one another when mixing indoors. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.

“Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated helps and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering.

“For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it’s not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out.

“Please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation. By continuing to take these precautions, we can all do our bit to reduce the chances of another spike.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2001684097412837648

In the week between 8 and 14 December 2025: 

  • influenza activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels  
  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels 

The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season are published weekly.

Flu surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December) 

In week 49:

  • flu activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
  • flu positivity remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.7% compared with 21% in the previous week. Positivity started to decrease in the later days of the week
  • overall, flu hospitalisations were stabilising at 10.32 per 100,000 compared with 10.19 per 100,000 in the previous week

For the 2025-26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.

Up to the end of week 50 (14 December), vaccine uptake stands at:

  • 38.6% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long term health conditions
  • 36.5% in all pregnant women
  • 72.8% in all those aged over 65 years
  • 42.1% in children aged 2 years and 43.1% in children aged 3 years

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49:

  • RSV activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
  • the overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was increasing at 3.70 per 100,000 compared with 3.35 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased  

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)

In week 49: 

  • COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
  • COVID-19 positivity decreased slightly to 1.9% from 2.1% in the previous week
  • COVID-19 hospitalisations were decreasing slightly at 1.02 per 100,000 compared with 1.10 per 100,000 in the previous week 
  • COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.05 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week 

Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 49 to 50 (1 December to 14 December 2025)

In week 49:

  • norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels
  • total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (4.9% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 were 29.8% higher than during the previous 2-week period
  • the rate of norovirus reports has started to increase in individuals aged 65 years and over and is now comparable to the reporting rate among individuals aged 0 to 4 years
  • total rotavirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (2.0% lower) for the same 2-week period
  • the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 48.5% lower than the 5-season average
  • during the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (83.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (31.1%)
  • in recent weeks GII.4 has emerged as the predominant genotype and detections of GII.17 have decreased

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.

“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”

Flu activity continues to increase in Scotland

With case numbers for flu rising sharply this week, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their vaccine. 

New figures published today show that laboratory-confirmed cases of flu more than doubled in the past week, rising from 845 to 1,759.  

Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70% in the past week, rising from 426 the previous week to 724. 

Those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death. This is why the flu vaccination programme is focussed on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu. 

Early evidence from UKHSA shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing severe disease, as measured by hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK.

Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.  

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, explains:  “Flu can seriously disrupt anyone’s life but, for some people, flu hits harder. With case numbers of flu having risen again in the past week, we’re continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their flu vaccine. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu.  

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working at pace to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. 

“For more information regarding eligibility and to book, or rearrange, your appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu” 

Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, which will give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses. 

Everyone who works in the NHS and all frontline social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine this winter. 

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.  

Look out for your invitation or book your appointment 

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination will now have received their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding.  

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives. 

Those who work in the NHS and frontline social care workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now. 

Parents and carers should have received appointment letters by post, or consent forms in their child’s school bag, and are encouraged to take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.  

What to do if you suspect you have flu 

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school and away from hospitals until you’re feeling better. Advice on how to recognise and manage flu-like symptoms is available at NHS Inform. 

Additional information 

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu 

For more information about the child flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu 

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19 this year. More information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who is eligible, is available on www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine 

More information about the RSV vaccine is also available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform and RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform 

More information about the early start to this year’s flu season and the influenza A(H3N2) strain which is currently circulating is available in our recent blog With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected – Our blog – Public Health Scotland  

More information on UKHSA’s study is available on their website: Flu vaccine providing important protection despite new subclade – GOV.UK 

Gordon Macdonald MSP: Getting flu jag will protect yourself, your family and the NHS

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging all eligible people across Edinburgh to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness.

Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Latest figures show that so far this winter 53.2% of eligible adults in NHS Lothian have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines. People have until 31st March to receive their jags but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect them against serious illness this winter.

Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless.

Gordon Macdonald said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection.

“The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill. 

“It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone across the city, who hasn’t already done so this winter, to check if they are eligible.

“Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.”

People who are eligible for winter vaccinations should check Winter vaccines | NHS inform and their local health boards for available drop-in clinics. 

FLU: What To Do

Having the flu can leave you feeling awful, but there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery:

Do:

✅ Rest and get plenty of sleep

✅ Keep warm

✅Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

✅ Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains

✅ Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better

Don’t:

❌ Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol

You can check your symptoms and decide what to do next by visiting

https://nhs24.info/flu

Back to school advice issued amid high levels of flu, COVID and scarlet fever

As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break, UKHSA is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.

Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.

Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.

“Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

“Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.

“Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.”

Eligible children include:

  • those aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2022
  • all primary school-aged children
  • some secondary school-aged children

You can get more information getting your child vaccinated against flu on NHS.UK.

Drop-in clinics available across Lothian for winter vaccines

Waverley Mall and Ocean Terminal units open every day

Vaccination clinics across Lothian are now welcoming drop ins from all adults who are eligible for this year’s winter vaccines.

Until Thursday 22nd December 2022, adults who are eligible for a flu vaccine and/or a COVID-19 winter booster can get their vaccinations without an appointment.

So far, over half a million winter vaccines have been delivered in Lothian, protecting hundreds of thousands of people from the latest strain of flu and topping up their protection against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine on offer in Lothian is a Spikevax bivalent booster vaccine, which is proven to protect from the Omicron variant as well as older strains of the virus.

For those who are eligible for both vaccines, getting these at the same time is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care for NHS Lothian, said: “The flu virus is always changing and COVID-19 protection can fade over time, so it’s important we keep ahead of these viruses and top up our protection when offered.

“Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you can get it again and vaccination is still the best way of protecting yourself and those around you against severe COVID-19 illness.

“If you’re an eligible adult and are yet to get your vaccinations, I’d urge you to take up this offer and drop in to one of our clinics before Christmas.

“For more information on these clinics, and details of how children and teenagers can get their vaccines, please visit our website.”

You may have to wait to be seen if you drop-in.

If you are required to queue and have mobility issues, or need any support or assistance, please make yourself known to a member of staff.

You are welcome to bring a carer, family member or friend along if you wish.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Drop-in clinic details can be found on NHS Lothian’s website. Please visit NHS Inform to find out more about the winter vaccines.

If you prefer to book an appointment, you can still do so online via the booking portal or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

AreaSiteDaysDrop-in times
East LothianHaddington Corn ExchangeMonday to Sunday8.30am – 12pm1pm – 4pm
EdinburghOcean TerminalMonday to Sunday9am – 6.30pm
EdinburghWaverley MallMonday to Sunday10am – 5.30pm
MidlothianRosewell SteadingMonday to Sunday8am – 5pm

*Please note the main car park will be closed between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday 4th December for the switching on of the Christmas lights. On street parking will be available.
West LothianLivingston Designer OutletMonday to Wednesday and Friday9.30am – 5pm
​​Thursday9.30am – 6pm
​​Sunday10.30am – 4.30pm
West LothianCarmondean Health CentreMonday and Tuesday9am – 12pm1.15pm – 4.30pm
West LothianWest Calder Health CentreWednesday and Friday9am – 12pm, 1.15pm – 4.30pm
West Lothian
Strathbrock Partnership Centre 
Monday to Sunday
9am – 6pm 

New vaccine marketing campaign urges millions to boost their immunity

COVID-19 and flu marketing campaign launches in England today encouraging eligible people to get their vaccines ahead of winter

A new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines to top up their immunity will launch today (Monday 24 October), as almost 10 million people in England have already received their boosters.

Over-50s in Scotland can book their winter vaccines from today (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu, easing pressure on the NHS this winter.

Adverts will air across television, radio, social and digital media, stressing the importance of people getting both vaccines to increase their protection this winter.

Targeted communications for individuals with long term health conditions, pregnant women and ethnic minority communities, with a particular focus on those with low vaccine confidence, will also appear, and will include examples of where vaccine uptake rates have been low in the past.

More than 10 million people are expected to have received their COVID-19 autumn booster in England by today, with 49.5% of those 65 and over getting their flu jab, helping protect against serious illness throughout the winter.

Latest COVID-19 data has shown continued high rates of cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks.

Cases of flu have climbed quickly in the past week, indicating that the season has started earlier than normal. This is leading to increased pressure on emergency departments, with rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions rising fastest in children under 5.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary, Thérèse Coffey received her autumn booster this week and urges those eligible to take up the offer as soon as possible, saying: “Our COVID autumn booster and flu vaccination programmes are in full swing. Vaccines are our best line of defence against both viruses and will help keep people out of hospital this winter.

“While we have made great progress with almost 10 million people already boosted, including me, we are actively encouraging, through our new marketing campaign, everybody eligible to come forward for both jabs as soon as possible.”

Vaccination for flu is currently behind last season for pre-schoolers (12.1% in all 2 year olds and 12.8% in all 3 year olds), pregnant women (12.4%) and under 65s in a clinical risk group (18.2%).

Vaccines are the best defence against both viruses and will help reduce the amount of people requiring hospital treatment, reducing pressure on the NHS.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Thomas Waite said: “The restrictions we had in place to curb the spread of COVID and protect the NHS last year also prevented the flu virus from spreading as we would normally expect to see, so levels of immunity in the population are likely quite low.

“Flu has started circulating at low levels, mainly in children and younger people at the moment. As winter approaches, we can expect flu and COVID cases to rise in all age groups. Getting vaccinated against both viruses is the most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting seriously ill.

“If eligible please come forward for your jabs as soon as you can – it is important to be protected before any winter surges begin.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisations at UK Health Security Agency, said: “The latest data follows the pattern we predicted, and a difficult winter is expected.

“This year we want people to think about COVID-19 and flu as equally important – and both vaccines will provide a ‘boost’ this winter. COVID-19 vaccine protection decreases over time and topping up immunity will help to provide better protection against new variants.

“So far, we have seen millions of people getting their vaccines, particularly older age groups who remain at risk of severe illness and deaths from both diseases. Having both vaccines will help to protect you and to protect the health service so we can continue to treat patients with other conditions.

“I urge everyone who is eligible to book your vaccine as soon as you can and not to delay – you could be in contact with flu or COVID-19 tomorrow.”

NHS director for vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell said: “Thanks to the efforts of staff, the NHS autumn booster programme has vaccinated twice as many people as it had at this stage last year with almost 10 million people getting their COVID-19 boosters already.

“We are seeing evidence of increasing levels of COVID and flu infections in the community and care homes, and so ahead of what will be a very challenging winter, it is vital that everyone eligible gets protected; it has never been easier to get your vaccines, so book in without delay.

Building on the success of the 2021 to 2022 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, this year’s campaign will stress that the protection provided by vaccines wanes over time, so everyone eligible should boost their immunity by getting both vaccines ahead of a difficult winter.

The adverts use blue (flu) and yellow (COVID-19) halos to represent the protection both vaccines provide.

They will run on TV, video on demand, radio, social and digital channels. Highly targeted, eye-catching information on digital channels will help to reiterate the importance of boosting your immunity ahead of a difficult winter by booking jabs early.

The NHS Winter Vaccines chatbot will return, helping to guide those who are searching online for the right information. This instant online conversation tool was first developed to support last winter’s campaign and answers frequently asked questions with trusted NHS information in a single place.

Multicultural community activity will see teams of campaign ambassadors engage with a range of different ethnic groups who tend to be more vaccine hesitant. This will take place across the country in high footfall places of worship and nearby community settings. Dedicated radio adverts and unique social media material will reinforce key messages.

Around 33 million people are eligible for the flu vaccine and 26 million people are eligible for the COVID-19 booster in England.

Over-50s in Scotland can book their winter vaccines from today (October 24) protecting them from COVID-19 and flu, easing pressure on the NHS this winter.

NHS Lothian: Winter Vaccinations

If you are aged 50 to 64 with no additional risk factors, please wait to be contacted about your winter vaccination appointment. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are being given to those most at risk first.

For more information visit http://nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

Flu: get your child vaccinated

The flu vaccine is given to children as a nasal (nose) spray. It’s quick and painless and will just feel like a tickle in their nose.

Visit http://nhsinform.scot/childflu

Why should I have my child vaccinated?

Flu is very infectious and can be serious. Flu can lead to complications that may result in hospitalisation or even death.

The flu vaccine will reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading flu to friends and family who are at greater risk from flu and coronavirus, such as grandparents or people with health conditions.

The flu vaccine provides both individual protection for the child and reduces transmission across all age groups.

Getting the flu vaccine will help prevent the flu virus putting extra strain on our NHS services this winter.

Every year in Scotland, children are hospitalised for the treatment of flu or its complications.

In some cases flu can lead to complications. These can include:

  • bronchitis
  • pneumonia
  • painful middle-ear infection
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea

For children with health conditions getting flu can be even more serious. Health conditions that make children more vulnerable include:

  • asthma
  • bronchitis
  • heart disease
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • neurological disease
  • diabetes
  • immunosuppression
  • asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen

Childhood vaccinations are very important. Please bring your child to their vaccination appointment to protect them and others against flu.

If you think you or your child are showing symptoms of coronavirus call the number on your invitation to rearrange your appointment.

Who’s being offered the vaccine?

The flu vaccine’s offered to all:

From September 2021 all primary and secondary school pupils in Scotland will be offered the flu vaccine.

How will my child get the vaccine?

The child flu vaccine is normally given at school between September and December.

If your child misses their vaccination in school, please contact your local NHS Board to find out about local arrangements for getting their vaccine at another time.

Home-schooled children are also eligible for the flu vaccine. Your local health board will contact you directly to offer vaccination.

Children aged 6 months to less than 2 years of age with an eligible health condition will also be offered the flu vaccine. Your local health board or GP practice will invite you by letter to get your child’s flu vaccine.

Primary and secondary school-aged children (including those with eligible health conditions) will be offered the vaccine at school.

If a young person has left secondary school, they are not eligible to get a flu vaccine at school. 16 and 17 year olds with an eligible health condition who have left school can phone 0800 030 8013 to receive an appointment for the flu vaccine.

If you don’t know the phone number for your local health board, you can phone 0800 030 8013.

What vaccine is used?

Children aged 2 years and older are given the flu vaccine as a nasal (nose) spray into each nostril. It is quick and painless and is the best available protection against flu.

Your child does not have to sniff or inhale the vaccine and will just feel a tickle in their nose.

The Fluenz Tetra nasal spray suspension Influenza vaccine (live attenuated, nasal) is routinely used in Scotland.

Children aged 6 months to less than 2 years with an eligible health condition will be offered the injectable vaccine.

young girl next to flu jag

Vaccine side effects

As with all medicines, side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine are possible, but usually mild.

More about child flu vaccine side effects

Vaccine safety

The flu vaccine is the safest, most effective protection against flu.

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and efficacy before they’re allowed to be used.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The nasal spray flu vaccine has been used safely since 2014 and millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children in the UK

The virus in the vaccine has been weakened so it doesn’t cause flu. It helps your child build up immunity to flu.

Children who don’t get the vaccine are not at risk of catching flu from children who have had the vaccine. The only exception to this would be children who are extremely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system).

How effective is the vaccine?

The annual vaccine offers protection against the most common types of flu virus that are around each winter. The flu vaccine should start to protect most children about 10 to 14 days after they receive their vaccination.

Over the last few years the flu vaccine has worked very well, providing protection against flu. It has also reduced the chance of spreading flu into the wider community.

There is still a chance that your child could get flu after having the vaccine. If they do get flu after vaccination, it is likely to be milder and not last as long.

Children who can’t have the nasal spray vaccine

An alternative injectable form of the vaccine is available for children who cannot have the nasal spray vaccine.

This includes children who:

  • have their immune system suppressed because they’re getting treatment for serious conditions, such as cancer, or if they’ve had a transplant
  • have a serious condition which affects the immune system, such as severe primary immunodeficiency
  • live with or are in close regular contact with very severely immunocompromised people who require isolation
  • are taking regular high doses of oral steroids
  • have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
  • are undergoing salicylate treatment (for example, taking aspirin)

Children with egg allergies

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

An egg-free injectable vaccine which can be used in those from 2 years of age is available. If you’re affected, please speak to your immunisation nurse for advice.

Children with severe asthma

The nasal spray vaccine may not be suitable for some children with severe asthma who regularly need oral steroids for asthma control. If you’re affected, please speak to your health professional for advice.

Children on medications

If your child is at school, please make sure you list all of your child’s medications on the consent form. All consent forms will be checked by a health or immunisation team member before the immunisation session to make sure your child can have the nasal spray.

Pork gelatine

The nasal spray vaccine contains a highly processed form of gelatine (pork gelatine) which is used in many essential medicines.

The gelatine helps keep the vaccine viruses stable so the vaccine provides the best protection against flu.

Many faith groups, including Muslim and Jewish communities, have approved the use of vaccines containing gelatine.

However, it’s your choice whether or not you want your child to get the nasal spray vaccine.

The nasal spray vaccine is a much more effective vaccine than the injected flu vaccine and is the preferred option.

If you do not want your child to get the nasal spray vaccine for religious reasons, you may request the injectable alternative by ticking the box on the consent form (your child won’t automatically be offered the injectable alternative, you’ll need to tick the box every year).