To explain more about flu and the importance of immunisation, a new documentary is now available, commissioned by AstraZeneca. Hosted by Dr Ranj Singh, paediatrician and CBeebies presenter, the documentary follows him on his quest to find out whether people will take up the offer now that a world leading flu immunisation programme, that provides free flu vaccine to all healthy children, is on offer in the UK.
Facts about flu
• In an average flu season in England, flu affects up to ten per cent of children from birth to 14 years.
• Children are the main transmitters of flu and pass the virus on for longer than adults. For every ten children who missed school because of flu-associated illness, eight household members subsequently became ill.
• In 2013/2014, a total of 904 admissions to intensive care were reported as influenza including 98 deaths.
Through the 2014/2015 immunisation programme, a routine offer of free vaccination has been made available to all children aged two, three and four years old at their GP surgeries this winter in addition to at risk children of any age, however understandably parents do have questions about the vaccination programme.
Flu isn’t just a rotten cold, it can be a serious illness and flu vaccination gives children the best chance of protection from flu and the nasty complications that can be caused by the virus. The recommended flu vaccine, for most children, is a nasal spray which means no needles will be used. Protecting our children also protects others, such as the elderly who are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as flu.
Dr Singh said: “We shouldn’t forget that flu can be a potentially deadly disease and if not controlled, can spread fiercely. We are lucky to live in a country where we are actually offered a free comprehensive flu vaccination programme for our children. I fear that, unless people understand the facts, it won’t be until flu affects them personally that they’ll take action in the form of vaccination. I hope that is not the case. We really shouldn’t take that risk with our children when we have a vaccine on offer. Part of this is down to healthcare professionals like me, but also our schools and government to ensure that our community and children are protected.”
Top tips for protecting your child from flu:
1) Wash your hands with soap and water! Washing your hands often is one of the best methods of protection against germs. A hint to make sure your child is washing their hands thoroughly is to sing a nursery rhyme twice before they finish. If soap and water isn’t available use an alcohol based hand rub to kill the bacteria.
2) Reduce the risk of contamination! Although it’s hard to control, a child can catch flu by touching contaminated surfaces or being in close proximity with someone who is. Help them to understand that they shouldn’t touch their face. Also coughs and sneezes spread germs far! Did you know a good sneeze can travel the length of a bus or tube carriage and cough up to a metre? Teach them to cough and sneeze into elbows or tissues, not hands.
3) Ensure your child is immunised against flu. Children are the prime suspects for spreading flu and protecting them from flu will also help stop it spreading to you and your family. If your child is eligible to receive the nasal spray flu vaccine, check here to understand more.
All parents should be contacted by their GP by phone, letter or email to book an appointment for the vaccination.