The number of under-fives being admitted to hospital with flu has risen steadily since September. Flu is just one of the respiratory illnesses around this winter – RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is on the rise and experts think another Covid wave could be on the way. RSV can cause bronchiolitis in infants leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.

The flu vaccine can prevent one of these serious diseases but the take up is very low. Data from the UKHSA[i] released last week showed only 30% and 32% of children in England aged two and three years old respectively have had their flu vaccination this season. These levels are below those recorded for the same time last year.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020)[ii]. Children aged between 6 months and 2 years with a long-term health condition (e.g., diabetes or a heart problem) can also be vaccinated by injection instead of the nasal spray which isn’t licensed for the under 2s.

Parents should contact their GP surgery to make an appointment for their two or three year old to be vaccinated. The nasal spray flu vaccine does contain traces of pork gelatine – if that is not suitable, parents can ask their GP for an injection instead.

Councillor Leanne Munroe, Early Years lead for Oldham Council will raise her concerns at next month’s Council meeting. She has asked Cabinet Members to ‘tell me the current rate of flu vaccination in Oldham for 2-3 year olds and primary school aged children, and explain the steps we are taking to maximise the uptake in flu vaccinations.

Councillor Munroe said ‘Don’t let your child end up in hospital with flu. Experts are warning that we could see a triple whammy of flu, Covid and RSV this winter. These are all illnesses that affect the lungs, and flu can be prevented by a visit to the GP for a vaccination. Flu can be very serious, and a small number of under-fives have ended up in intensive care. Please get your under-five’s vaccinated and remember that you can ask for an injection if the nasal spray is not suitable for your child.’