The Public Health Agency (PHA) has asked that schools write to parents as Northern Ireland is experiencing an early start to the influenza (flu) season and a new strain of flu is circulating.
Here are key messages from the PHA:
- The flu is not just a bad cold: Last year, 862 children and young people were admitted to hospital because of flu in Northern Ireland. Vaccinating children against flu prevents severe inflections in children and reduces the spread of flu to other children and adults.
- Healthy children do need a vaccine: Flu vaccine is vital for most children, not just those with long term conditions. Flu spreads more easily in winter because children spend more time indoors.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated: It usually takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so the earlier children are vaccinated the better, however, it’s never too late for children and eligible staff to take up the offer of a flu vaccination in the winter season.
Menu
