Pupils at nine more schools join the ranks of the Flu Fighters

Hundreds more children at nine city schools have become Flu Fighters and are ready for the annual battle against influenza this winter as the free annual vaccination programme continues.

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 form as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out. Vaccinations are scheduled to take place throughout the autumn term.

This week, nurses from Vaccination UK have been to Merridale Primary School, Nishkam Primary School, Uplands Junior School, Westacre Infant School, Elston Hall Primary School, St Luke's Church of England Primary School, Hill Avenue Academy, St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School and Wolverhampton Grammar School (primary phase).

Next week, nurses will be visiting Lanesfield Primary School, St Theresa's Catholic Primary Academy and Wednesfield High Specialist Engineering Academy (Year 7) on Monday 16 November, Dunstall Hill Primary School and St Andrew's Church of England Primary School on Tuesday 17 November, Rakegate Primary School, Spring Vale Primary School, Bantock Primary School (Year 4) and Highfields School (Year 7) on Wednesday 18 November, Castlecroft Primary School and St Jude's Church of England Primary Academy on Thursday 19 November and Christ Church Infant and Junior School on Friday 20 November.

Full details of the Vaccination UK schedule, including which schools are due to be visited when, is available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/flufighters. Parents can also download a consent form online if they have mislaid theirs.

Any child who has missed their free vaccine at schools which have already been visited by nurses from Vaccination UK can get it at their GP or by attending one of a number of catch-up clinics. These are scheduled to take place at Christ the King Church on Saturday 21 November, Park Village Education Centre on Saturdays 28 November and 19 December and Phoenix Health Centre on Saturday 5 December.

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.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We're delighted that so many children are receiving their free flu vaccination in school – 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 health and social care staff, people in long-stay care and pregnant women are also eligible for free flu jabs through their GP or pharmacist.