Flu Vaccinations 2021

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child’s annual flu vaccination is now due
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This vaccination programme is in place to help protect your child against flu, which can be an unpleasant illness and sometimes causes serious complications.  This year, with COVID-19 in circulation, it’s more important than ever that eligible groups are vaccinated to protect them from flu. The free flu vaccine will help prevent them getting the flu and is the best protection from the flu virus. Vaccinating your child will also help protect more vulnerable friends and family by preventing the spread of flu. 
 
The intra-nasal flu vaccine is the most effective protection for your child against flu.  However, if in the past you have refused the intra-nasal vaccine due to PORCINE GELATINE content, we are now able to offer an alternative injectable flu vaccine which is porcine-free.  Please complete the consent form stating that you would like your child to have the IM flu vaccine.  This can be given in school, but if you would prefer to be with your child, please contact the immunisation team  on 01296 567860 or email [email protected] to arrange a catch clinic appointment.  
The online consent can be accessed via any online device. Please click on the following link https://www.buckschildimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/Flu which will direct you to an online consent form for you to complete.

We will be visiting your child’s school on 06/12/2021 please complete the consent form in full using the following school code: EE110239. If a consent form is not completed by midday the day before our visit your child may not receive their immunisation at school.

The vaccination is free and recommended for children and young people. It will be given by a quick and simple spray up the nose. Here is a link to a leaflet explaining the vaccination programme which includes details about the small number of children for whom the nasal vaccine is not appropriate:
Protecting your child against flu - Information for parents and carers of preschool and primary school-aged children (publishing.service.gov.uk)
 
In the rare event that you do not have access to the internet, please contact the immunisation team who will complete a consent form with you over the phone.  Again, this year we are unable to give out any paper consent forms or leaflets due to possible transmission of Covid-19.
 
If you require further information regarding the vaccines we offer please go to our Immunisation website which has full details of our service: http://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/School-nursing/immunisations.htm
If you have any queries regarding the online consent form or the Flu vaccine please contact the Buckinghamshire Immunisation Team on 01296 567860.

Yours sincerely,
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Buckinghamshire Immunisation Team

If your child becomes wheezy or has their asthma medication increased after you have completed the on-line form, please contact the immunisation team on 01296 567860. If you decide you do not want to vaccinate your child against flu, please complete the consent form giving the reason. This will help us plan and improve the service.  For further information see: www.nhs.uk/child-flu 

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