“We just want children protected. However you do it, please take the opportunity to get your child their wee scoosh.”
The flu vaccine for children is a quick nasal spray into each nostril and Lauren McDermott, Pre-Five Flu Immunisation Co-Ordinator at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is urging parents and carers to take advantage of the different ways available to get their children protected against flu.
Whether you’ve missed an appointment, something comes up and you need to rearrange, or you simply have 10 minutes to spare and want to drop in, NHSGGC is making it as easy as possible to get your child vaccinated at a place and time that suits you.
Children and young people across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being offered the flu vaccine this winter, with pre-school children invited to community clinics, and primary and secondary school pupils offered vaccination through school.
Parents and carers are being urged to make use of appointments or return school consent forms as soon as possible. But if an appointment no longer suits, or has already been missed, it can be rearranged, while additional weekend clinics and walk-ins are giving families even more flexibility.
The next walk-in clinics take place at Pollok Health Centre on Saturday 10 October and Gorbals Health & Care Centre on Sunday 11 October, with another opportunity at Parkhead Hub on Saturday 24 October. Parents and carers using a walk-in clinic don’t need an appointment – they just need to come along with their child and they will be seen.
Lauren McDermott added: “We’d always encourage parents and carers to use the appointment they’ve been given where they can, but we know how busy family life can be. Sometimes something comes up, appointments get missed or another day simply works better.
“There’s no judgment. The important thing is getting your child protected, and that’s why we’re providing these additional walk-in opportunities.
“Young children can spread flu easily, so getting your wee one vaccinated isn’t just about protecting them. It also helps protect the people around them, including family members who may be more vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell.
“If your child is eligible, just come along and see us. For most children it’s simply a quick wee scoosh up the nose. It takes a few seconds, and then you’re done.”
The flu vaccine is available to children aged from six months to two years with an eligible health condition, children aged two to five who are not yet at school, and children and young people attending primary and secondary school.
Pre-school children receive an appointment to attend a community vaccination clinic, while most primary and secondary school pupils are offered their vaccination through school.
If you can’t make your child’s appointment, or have already missed it, you can call the Flu Contact Centre on 0800 917 6115 to rearrange. Alternative dates and locations may be available.
For most eligible children, the vaccine is given as a quick nasal spray, or “wee scoosh”, into each nostril. It is painless, there is no need to sniff or inhale, and protection usually begins to develop within 10 to 14 days. An injectable alternative is available for children who cannot receive the nasal spray.
Flu can cause complications including bronchitis, pneumonia, painful middle-ear infections, vomiting and diarrhoea. Vaccination makes children less likely to catch and spread the virus to babies, grandparents and people with long-term health conditions.
For a full list of local clinics, opening times and weekend opportunities, go to the NHSGGC website.
For further information about the child flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform.
