The flu vaccine is a great way to protect your child from getting seriously ill with flu this winter. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to help you decide.
Why is the flu vaccine important for children?
- Flu can be serious for children. It can lead to complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.
- Children spread flu easily. By getting your child vaccinated, you’re also protecting other family members and friends who might be more vulnerable, like babies and older people.
- It’s quick and easy. For most children, the vaccine is a painless nasal spray, not an injection.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine helps your child’s body build up immunity to the flu viruses that are likely to be circulating this winter. It doesn’t contain live flu viruses, so it can’t give your child the flu. Protection usually starts to work about 10 to 14 days after the vaccine is given.
Because flu viruses change every year, it’s important for your child to get vaccinated each autumn to stay protected.
Who is eligible?
In Scotland, the flu vaccine is offered for free to:
- All children aged 2 to 5 years (who aren’t yet in school)
- All primary and secondary school pupils
- Children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain long-term health conditions
How to get your child vaccinated
- If your child is aged 2 to 5 (and not in school): You’ll receive a letter from NHS Scotland with details on how to book an appointment.
- If your child is at school: They will be offered the vaccine at school, and you’ll receive a consent form and information leaflet to complete and return.
- If your child is aged 6 months to 2 years with a health condition: You will receive a letter from NHS Scotland inviting you to an appointment.
If your child has a blocked or runny nose, they may need to wait until they feel better before getting the nasal spray, or they may be offered an injection instead.
To learn more about the child flu vaccine, please visit the NHS Inform website.
Please note: Vaccinations are provided through specific vaccination centers and clinics, not by GP practices. The specific locations depend on the local NHS board.