Are we meant to be getting older kids the flu jab?

[dawnacorns]

Would you try to get one for an otherwise healthy 12 year old? If so where? I'm not sure what the advice is now tbh.

I haven't been getting my kids flu jabs since they got too old for the ones done at school. I've never had one either tbh

I have paid for my two (13 and 11) to have the flu jab. My husband and I have it too. I don't want any of us getting the flu.

The NHS programme for healthy children is up to and including Y5. I don't know why it stops then (they seem to have been adding a year group on each year for the last few years) but I presume it is a finance issue. I'm happy to pay- £12 a pop. The children had to have the injection rather than the nasal spray the NHS uses for kids as the private provider I used can't get supplies of the nasal spray. Boots have started doing flu jabs for over 10s this year (previously only over 16s).

Yep, I paid for me, DH and DS (13yrs) to have it.
None of us want the flu if it can be avoided.

I have it every year. I think everyone who can, should. Herd immunity is the best protection for those who can't have it and for whom it would be most dangerous.

I pay for it for mine.

Thanks everybody, that's made my mind up to get it. Do most chemists do it for that age group? I had thought it was only for over 16s and that unders needed the nasal spray.

They do not attempt herd immunity in UK for influenza.

It can be quite difficult to source any kind of flu immunisation for those too old for the school based programme but still U16 (or even U18) as not all branches will do children (the pharmacist administering needs additional training before they can do children).

As NHS do not offer it to those in this age group, in normal health and not in close/frequent contact with the vulnerable, I don't think you should be criticised for choosing not to source it elsewhere

As far as I have been able to ascertain, nasal spray vaccine is not available for children outside the NHS programme. Mine had to have the injection (which was fine) and is suitable for under 16s. Boots also use the injection for over 10s (they won't vaccinate younger).

I wouldn't criticise you for not sourcing a private provider of the vaccine; but my own view is I want to reduce the risk of us getting it as a family so I choose to pay for my kids. Everyone can make their own choice.

You need to research pharmacy chains near you. Many won't vaccinate under 16s. Boots (this year) will do over 10s but you have to book instore. We had ours at a MASTA travel clinic.

Will Boots do a 10 year old?

And if not, does anyone know any chains that will?

Boots say they do children from 10 years old in selected stores:

www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice/vaccinations/flujab

I'm getting mine done next week they are 11 and 16. Boots will do it but you have to go in and make the appointment. Me and DH had ours done there the other day.