First pupils become Flu Fighters as free vaccinations begin

Pupils across Wolverhampton are becoming Flu Fighters with free vaccinations now taking place in the city's schools.

All pupils from Reception to Year 7 are eligible for the free flu vaccination this year, delivered via a quick and painless nasal spray, and parents should return their child’s consent forms as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out. Vaccinations are scheduled to take place throughout the autumn term.

The award-winning Flu Fighters campaign is back for a third year to encourage children to get vaccinated, with free copies of this year's out of this world storybook, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind, being distributed to all primary-aged pupils. All pupils, including those in Year 7, will also receive consent forms and information about the nasal spray.

Vaccinations have so far taken place for Year 7 students at Ormiston SWB Academy, Khalsa Academy, Heath Park School and Colton Hills School, and pupils at The Braybrook Centre and The Orchard and Nightingale Centre.

Next week nurses from Vaccination UK are scheduled to visit Coppice Performing Arts School (Year 7) and Green Park School on Monday 5 October, Smestow School (Year 7) on Tuesday 6 October, The Royal School (Year 7) on Wednesday 7 October, Loxdale Primary School and Pine Green Academy on Thursday 8 October and Moseley Park (Year 7) and Pennfields School on Friday 9 October.

Full details of the Vaccination UK schedule, including which schools are due to be visited when, along with more information about the vaccine is available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/flufighters.

Any child who has missed their free vaccine at schools which have already been visited by nurses from Vaccination UK will be able to get it at one of a number of catch up clinics which will be arranged later this autumn, or by contacting their GP.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We're delighted that the flu vaccination campaign is now underway in local schools and this year, more than ever, it's vital that you ensure your child doesn’t miss out.

"Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members from becoming ill with the flu, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions.

"I would urge parents to return their consent forms as soon as they receive them so that their children can have their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter!"

To find out more about the vaccine, and to read and download free copies of the first two Flu Fighters books, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty and Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/flufighters. A short video can be seen here https://youtu.be/lVcF21DhAN8.

The free nasal spray is also available to children aged two and three, and children aged 11 and over with some long-term health conditions, via GPs.

Adults people with long-term health conditions, people who were shielding from coronavirus and their families, the over 65s, carers and care staff, people in long-stay care and pregnant women are also eligible for free flu jabs through their GP or pharmacist. For more information, please visitwww.wolverhampton.gov.uk/flu.