Flu vaccination programme extended to include seven-year-olds

Parents are being encouraged to ensure their children are vaccinated against flu this winter, as the vaccination programme is extended to include seven year olds

The flu immunisation programme offers a nasal spray vaccine for children aged 2-7 to help protect them from catching flu or spreading it to people around them.

For two and three year old children the vaccine will be given at their local GP surgery, and for children in reception class and school years one, two and three, it will be given by the school nursing service at their school.

The nurses will require consent from parents before administering the vaccine to any child.

It comes as the Welsh Conservatives raised concerns about the decrease in uptake of routine immunisations for youngsters up to the age of four.

Those aged 65 and over, those in 'at risk' groups from six months of age with long term health conditions, all pregnant women, carers, and morbidly obese adults (with a BMI of 40 and over) are also strongly advised to get vaccinated.

Health and social care workers are also advised to have flu vaccination to protect them and the people they care for.