In her letter, Professor Dame Sally Davies notified staff that all children aged two and three can get the flu vaccine at their general practice this winter, while children in Reception and Years 1 to 5 will be offered the influenza vaccine at school.
The letter asks practitioners to help publicise the vaccination programme, which for most children involves a nasal spray rather than an injection.
In the letter, the chief medical officer wrote, ‘Not only does the influenza vaccine help to protect the children themselves, but by reducing the spread of influenza it will also help protect family members and others in the community. The influenza vaccine also promotes a healthy environment in nurseries and preschools by reducing the risk of spread of influenza to others, including staff.’
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