PHA urges parents to vaccinate children as flu cases rise among 5–14 year olds

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians across Northern Ireland to ensure their children receive the seasonal flu vaccine, as the latest surveillance data shows influenza activity on the rise — with the highest positivity rate recorded in children aged 5–14.

All pre-school children and those in primary school up to Year 12 are eligible for the free flu vaccine, delivered as a simple nasal spray.

Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at the PHA, emphasised that flu should not be underestimated. She said:

“Flu is not just a bad cold, and last year 862 children and young people had a hospital admission with influenza in Northern Ireland.

“The flu vaccine offers vital protection for all school aged children, not just those with long-term health conditions. Flu spreads more easily among children in winter due to them spending more time indoors, and in close proximity in classrooms.

“Vaccinating children helps to protect them from severe illness, keeping them in school rather than at home sick, and it also helps to protect those around them.”

School vaccination programme underway

School nursing teams are currently delivering the nasal spray flu vaccine in primary and secondary schools across Northern Ireland. The PHA is reminding parents to check schoolbags for consent forms and return them promptly to ensure children do not miss their opportunity.

Receiving the vaccine in school allows children to gain protection quickly and conveniently. If a child misses their school vaccination, parents and guardians can arrange an appointment with their GP.

Pre-school children will continue to receive their vaccine through GP practices, and parents who have not yet heard from their practice are encouraged to contact them for details.

A safe, effective nasal spray

The nasal vaccine Fluenz® has been used since 2013 and remains the recommended method of flu protection for children.

Amanda continued:

“The nasal flu vaccine Fluenz® was first introduced in 2013. The vaccine has an excellent safety record. Fluenz® contains viruses that have been weakened to prevent it causing flu, meaning it will help your child build up immunity in the same way as a natural infection, but without the nasty symptoms.

“The nasal vaccine is easy to give and painless. Each child who has the nasal spray vaccine gets the best protection against flu. It is also considered to be the best at reducing the spread of flu, helping children protect one another and others who might be vulnerable to flu. Some children may experience mild side effects, but serious side effects are very rare.”

She also reinforced the importance of good hygiene:

“As well as getting their child vaccinated, parents should encourage their children to exercise good respiratory and hand hygiene.”

How to help your child stay well this winter

The PHA has also issued practical guidance to limit the spread of infections during the winter season:

• Stay off school when sick – Children with a high temperature should remain at home until they feel better, and those with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should stay home for at least 48 hours after the last episode.

• ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.’ – Children should carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, then dispose of them immediately.

• Wash hands regularly – Particularly after coughing, sneezing, using the toilet, or before eating.

• Speak to a pharmacist – Over-the-counter remedies may help with minor symptoms; antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.

Vaccination remains the best defence

Amanda concluded:

“Flu strains can change throughout the season, but no matter what strains are circulating here this winter, the vaccine offers important protection, particularly against developing serious illness and being hospitalised. We strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – it remains our best defence.”

Further details on the winter vaccination programme, RSV vaccines, and influenza surveillance reports can be found via the PHA and NI Direct websites.