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Children's health

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Nasal flu spray

26 replies

user1465146157 · 05/11/2021 22:22

Hello
We've got the letter asking if we want this for our reception age child.
I usually say yes to all these type of things but just wary about this for some reason as it's new to me

Not something I've heard of giving children before and it feels like it's quite pushy- I've had calls over the summer encouraging the injection and now this

I know this winter is due to be a bad one for illness but I just feel worried that they may develop a reaction when they ordinarily wouldn't have

Is anyone else concerned or just ticking the yes box?

Thanks

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 05/11/2021 22:24

It's very normal to be offered the nasal flu vaccine at school

AnneLovesGilbert · 05/11/2021 22:26

What’s new to you? Children are offered flu vaccination nasal spray from the winter they’re 2.

NeverTheHootenanny · 05/11/2021 22:29

My two year old has just had it. No concern at all, flu vaccination is very routine. It’s extra important this year to have good levels of immunity to flu in the general population.

Spudina · 05/11/2021 22:31

The ingredients in the vaccine remain the same though the virus in it changes. Fore example the adults one contains egg whites I believe. If they haven’t reacted before, they are unlikely to now. Seasonal virus’s are going to be worse this winter, as we haven’t built up a good resistance due to social distancing, masks etc. It makes sense to have it.

HalloHello · 05/11/2021 22:32

Who has been calling you encouraging an injection? Which injection? Kids have been offered nasal flu vaccine since 2013. Very few side effects reported and even so are mild.

Triffid1 · 05/11/2021 22:32

Completely standard for children to be offered this at school. I believe it is recommended before school but it has to be done via the GP and that can be more complicated. Mine have had it well, sort of, dd melts down and I think they've managed at best half a dose every year. I love a vaccination programme via school - so much easier.

Eltonsglasses · 05/11/2021 22:33

I've had calls over the summer encouraging the injection and now this

What injection? Who is calling you?

soapboxqueen · 05/11/2021 22:39

Children have been getting the nasal vaccine through school for years now.

It's routine.

Who's been calling you up for an injection? Is this for you or your child?

ihf1jkvfct8r · 05/11/2021 22:40

Strange she hasn't had it previously, mine is in reception this year and will have it there but previously had it at the GP.

Rainallnight · 05/11/2021 22:43

Why do you think they may develop a reaction now if they haven’t in the past?

whatswithtodaytoday · 05/11/2021 22:45

It's offered from 2, how have you managed to avoid it until now?

My 2.5 year old had it recently, no reaction at all.

firstimemamma · 05/11/2021 22:46

Your child should've been offered this from and 2 op and it's really important. Flu can be really bad for little children, it's not just about 'ticking the yes box', it's about offering your child protection.

ponkydonkey · 05/11/2021 22:48

It's great as usually they come cough into your eyes and we feel shit fit 3 days

It's a win win 🙄

ponkydonkey · 05/11/2021 22:49

Also just add since my kids have had flu spray I also haven't had flu

NoSinging · 05/11/2021 22:57

This is absolutely not a new thing. I usually pay for my secondary dc to get the winter flu vaccine but his year they have had the nasal spray at school.

Every child in the entire county where I live is being offered it.

DukkaDukka · 06/11/2021 19:28

Kids get offered this every year, it’s not a new thing.

user1465146157 · 06/11/2021 20:15

I should have said new to ME in a school setting- it's my first DC, and this wasn't a thing when I was at school that's all.

Those asking who's calling - I got a letter over the Summer offering a flu vaccine for my 3 year old and someone called me on the phone to book me in. I declined it as I wasn't sure about it and hadn't heard of people calling about it before.

This was when DC was 4 - it's not been offered to them from 2, unless I've missed something but that's unlikely?

So by new, I mean new to me

Thanks for your replies though

As they've not had a flu jab before do you think the flu nasal spray is likely to cause a reaction?

OP posts:
user1465146157 · 06/11/2021 20:15

Sorry for confusion- when I said 3 year old i meant 4!!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 06/11/2021 20:16

Neither of mine ever had a reaction to the nasal flu vaccine

Starcaller · 06/11/2021 20:18

Yes, it's offered from 2. You should have had it arranged through HV or GP before school-age. We got a letter to phone up and book. DD is 2 and had it a few weeks ago. Minimal fuss and no side effects.

DukkaDukka · 06/11/2021 20:20

Mine have never had a reaction. They’ll get offered it at school every year. Works for me as it means it’s done without me having to do anything.

I don’t think our GP offer it if you don’t have it at school as they expect them to have it done there with everyone else.

AnnaSW1 · 06/11/2021 20:30

Mine have just had it . No reaction. Much better they have it then they have the flu

itsallgoingpearshaped · 06/11/2021 20:40

My daughter was the first Y1 class to get this; she's now in Y8. I'm delighted they do it in schools, frankly.

HeyMicky · 06/11/2021 21:24

This is standard. From age 2 your GP surgery will offer it; once they start school it's done there.

Standard nasal spray offered every year, based on Southern Hemisphere data, just like the adult flu jab.

olderthanyouthink · 06/11/2021 22:47

DD is nearly 3 and just had her first (was slightly too young last year) the only reaction is fear of having it again, she also had the MMR jab at the same time

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