Pupils transformed into Flu Fighters to join winter battle

Hundreds more children have become Flu Fighters and will be joining the battle against influenza this winter as the free vaccination programme continues in Wolverhampton’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 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 Aldersley High School, North East Wolverhampton Academy, Broadmeadow Special School, Tettenhall Wood School, Penn Hall School, The King’s CofE School, Wolverhampton Grammar School, Berrybrook Primary School, Westcroft School (primary phase), Moreton School, Stowlawn Primary School, Dovecotes Primary School, Smestow School, St Chad Catholic Academy and Tettenhall College.

Next week, they are scheduled to visit Northwood Park Primary on Monday 19 October, Bushbury Lane Academy and Bushbury Hill Primary School on Tuesday 20 October, St Patrick's Primary Academy and Wodensfield Primary School on Wednesday 21 October, Corpus Christi Catholic Primary Academy, Graiseley Primary School and Wood End Primary School on Thursday 22 October and D'Eynecourt Primary School and St Thomas' Church of England Primary Academy on Friday 23 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. 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 should get it at one of a number of catch up clinics which will be arranged later this autumn, or by contacting their GP.

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 the flu vaccination campaign is well 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.