Flu Vaccine for 2, 3 and 4 year olds:
We are writing to you in our role as the Network Nurses for the Children’s Oxford Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), which covers Bucks, Berks, Oxon and part of Beds. The AHSN has been asked by the Department of Health to run various child health initiatives across our region, including efforts to increase uptake of immunisation.
You may be aware of the children’s flu vaccine which now forms part of the usual childhood immunisation programme given in General Practice. This year the ‘nasal spray’ (no needle) vaccine is available to 2, 3 and 4 year olds (some Autumn-born children may be 5).
In some circumstances, children may need an injection but the vast majority do indeed receive a few drops of liquid sprayed just into the nose. We know that by children being vaccinated, less flu will circulate, fewer people will become ill from flu, less time will be lost in school and nursery through illness and the vulnerable health groups of adults and children will be better protected. Very worthwhile, we think!
Please find a link below for a short film for children and a poster providing details of the vaccine for display.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Yours faithfully,
Julie Wild and Liz Davis
c/o: The Oxford University Hospitals Trust
Children’s Hospital, Tom’s Ward,
Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU
Julie.wild@ouh.nhs.uk Elizabeth.davis@ouh.nhs.uk
01865 572049 /07770 866 152 01865 223388 / 07771 978 436
Film:
http://www.sharegoodtimesnotflu.co.uk/why-vaccinate.html
Posters:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/354769/DoH_8502_5_reasons_Flu_poster_2014_02a_Web__4_.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318807/phe-who-gets-which-vaccine-poster-02.pdf