Children should come forward and get their vaccinations ahead of flu season to avoid further rises in case numbers, health leaders have urged.
Data currently suggests that flu among young adults and school-age children are driving early flu cases with increased visits to GPs and emergency departments.
Over one million vaccines have been delivered in the northwest as part of the autumn/winter campaign with over 100,000 school-aged children and more than 30,000 eligible toddlers being vaccinated, helping minimise the spread to adults.
However, since the start of the program on October 1st, vaccination rates have been lower than expected.
With half term underway and people expected to socialise, the NHS is urging parents to ensure they have signed and returned their child’s vaccine consent forms.
Statistics show that in 2024-2025 across England, 4,075,008 children aged between four and 16 were vaccinated out of an eligible 8,111,462.
Parents of two and three-year-olds can also book online and for the first time ever drop-in to their local pharmacy to get their toddler vaccinated.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital have introduced “flu fairies” to ensure that even children in hospital can get their vaccines. The team have flown in and given over 330 vaccines to children who are currently in-patients.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, GP and Associate Medical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We understand how busy family life can be, which is why we’re making it easier than ever for children to get vaccinated. I’d encourage all parents to explore their child’s flu vaccination options today and take advantage of the clinics that are running across Cheshire and Merseyside this half term.
“Flu can spread rapidly in schools and can make children really unwell so having the flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from getting seriously ill this winter.”
For further information visit www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/wintervaccines
