Experts at ChemistDirect give parents the low down on the new flu vaccine for children
(PRWEB UK) 21 October 2013 -- A new nasal spray vaccine is being offered to children aged two and three as part of the national flu vaccine programme. (http://bit.ly/1cbwShZ)
Young children are the key source in spreading flu, especially to vulnerable groups such as babies and the elderly, so it is hoped that overall levels of infection will be reduced as a result of the new vaccine.
ChemistDirect Pharmacist Omar El-Gohary said: “At the moment the national flu vaccine programme is targeting children aged two and three, but eventually children up to the age of 16 will be included.”
“Hopefully children will be less resistant to getting this vaccination as it is a nasal spray – although it needs to be repeated every year.
People over 65, adults and children with long-term health conditions and pregnant women are known to be at risk, and last year around 800 people were admitted to intensive care with flu. (http://bbc.in/1g3NIkD)
The vaccine, called Fluenz is a nasal spray and has shown to be more effective in children than traditional injectable flu vaccines.
El-Gohary added: “Flu can be very unpleasant for children; - they have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat, lasting up to a week, so it’s important that parents take this opportunity to get their children vaccinated.”
A national advertising campaign has also been launched by Public Health England to encourage parents of two- to three-year-old children, and other at-risk groups, to take up the offer of a vaccination as soon as possible.
Parents should visit their GP for more information.
Samantha Smith, Chemist Direct, +44 1215414952 205, [email protected]
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