“Flu can be a horrible illness for little children”

- Patricia Moses, mum of 3-year-old

Patricia Moses from London, mother of three decided that her son, when he was 2 years old should have the flu nasal spray vaccine. She said “When it comes to our children, we all want to protect them as best we can. I received a text from my GP surgery advising that my son was eligible for a free flu nasal spray vaccination.”

“I then saw the NHS campaign encouraging parents with children aged 2 and 3 to speak to their GP about the flu nasal spray vaccine so I thought I better look into it. I had little understanding of flu and didn’t realise how serious it could be, leading to people being admitted into hospital, permanent disability or even death.”

“There was lots of information available online about flu vaccination. Flu can be a horrible illness for little children. They have the same symptoms as adults such as fever, chills, aching muscles, headaches and a sore throat. Some children also develop a very high fever and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis which may require treatment in hospital. After learning this I decided that getting the vaccine offers the best protection against flu.”

“I also learnt that getting the flu vaccine could help protect other family members such as my parents who have underlying health conditions which makes them more vulnerable to flu.”

“When my son had the flu nasal spray vaccine, it was really quick, easy and a painless alternative to needles. He had no side effects and I felt better knowing that he was protected especially when I heard stories of people I know getting the flu, feeling really unwell and ending up in hospital over the Christmas period.”

People who are eligible for the flu vaccine this year include:

  • - Adults aged 65 and over.
  • - Adults aged 18 to 64 with a long-term health condition.
  • - Children aged 2 to 3 at their gp practice.
  • - School children in years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • - Pregnant women.
  • - Health and social care workers.

Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine should contact their GP, pharmacist or midwife before the end of November to protect themselves and their families before the flu season takes hold. It is the single best way to protect against a potentially very serious illness.

Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information