England’s top nurse has issued a warning to parents about the rapid spread of flu in schools, emphasizing the importance of getting their children vaccinated before the return to school after the half-term break.
NHS England highlighted that while many schoolchildren may have already received flu vaccinations at school, alternative options are available for those who missed out. Pop-up clinics are being established in various locations such as fire stations, bowling alleys, football fields, and libraries to provide easy access to vaccinations for eligible individuals.
The early onset of the flu season prompted the UK Health Security Agency to advise the public to take preventive measures.
Duncan Burton, the chief nursing officer for England, expressed concern over the early flu outbreak, particularly among children. Stressing the importance of vaccination in protecting children from severe illness, he emphasized the need for parents to explore vaccination options promptly, either through in-school programs or community clinics.
In the Midlands region, multiple fire station clinics are scheduled across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with additional services like a mobile flu van in Lancashire and south Cumbria during the half-term period.
In addition to school-aged children with specific health conditions and two and three-year-olds receiving flu vaccines at GP surgeries, parents can take preschool children to pharmacies for vaccinations as well. An easy-to-use online tool is available to locate the nearest pharmacy offering free flu vaccinations.
Recent data from the UKHSA revealed a 6.1% increase in flu positivity and a rise in hospitalizations due to the virus, with the most significant impact observed in schoolchildren. Health officials cautioned that the spread of flu among children could pose risks to other vulnerable populations.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the effectiveness of vaccination as a defense against flu, urging parents to prioritize getting their children vaccinated during the half-term break. He encouraged utilizing nearby catch-up vaccination services to safeguard families and support the healthcare system during the approaching winter season.
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