Bayview Family Practice School Flu Vaccination team is a team of healthcare professionals from Bayview Family Practice who deliver a nasal flu vaccination service to schools in the local surrounds. Our vaccination team of doctors and nurses fully trained and experienced in providing this to young people from 2-17 years of age.
What is flu?
Flu is a common viral infection that’s easily spread to other people through coughs and sneezes.
Flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Aching body
Viruses that cause flu are most common during the winter months. Children who are sick with flu often miss days in crèche, childcare and school. They also miss out on their usual activities, including hobbies and sports.
Whilst most children who get the flu will have mild symptoms, some children can get complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis and may need hospital treatment. In rarer cases, children may die from complications of flu.
Who is the nasal flu vaccine for children suitable for?
The nasal vaccine is recommended for all children aged two to 17 years of age at the time of their appointment, except those who fall into the following categories:
- They’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
- They have severe asthma (or have been wheezy or needed their inhaler more than usual in the three days before the vaccination)
- They are taking medicines called salicylates, which include aspirin
- They have a severely weakened immune system because of certain medical conditions or treatments
- They are living with someone who has a severely weakened immune system, for example, a person who recently had a bone marrow transplant
- They are taking 2 medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors (for example, ipilimumab and nivolumab) which are used to treat cancer
- They have severe neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cell) except for those with primary autoimmune neutropenia
- They have taken antiviral medication for flu within the 48 hours before scheduled nasal flu vaccine
- They have a condition which means they have a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
- They are pregnant
Some children who may not be eligible for the nasal flu vaccine may be able to receive the flu vaccine as an injection. Speak to your doctor for more details.
In some cases, your child’s nasal vaccination may need to be delayed in order to ensure it’s as effective as possible. It should be delayed in the following circumstances:
- If your child is unwell and has a high temperature
- If your child has a very blocked or runny nose
How is the vaccine given?
At the school vaccination clinic, one of our specially trained doctors or nurses will administer the vaccine as a single spray in each nostril of your child’s nose. Don’t worry, your child can breathe normally while they’re getting the vaccine.
Most children need only one dose of the vaccine each year. Some children aged two to eight years of age with a chronic health condition may need two doses. The doses are given four weeks apart if they’ve never had a flu vaccine. Speak to your GP for more information.
Are there any side effects to the nasal flu vaccine?
The nasal flu vaccination has been given to children in Ireland since 2020, the US since 2003 and in the UK since 2013, with millions of children having been vaccinated safely. It’s generally well tolerated and there’s no evidence that you can catch the flu from the vaccine.
The most common children’s flu vaccination side effects are generally mild and include the following:
- A runny or blocked nose
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
Some children get a fever (high temperature) after the vaccine. It is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction, are rare.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the HSE website for more information about the nasal flu vaccine for children.
View the Patient Information Leaflet.
View the summary of product characteristics.
Parents please read the above information and click on the link below to complete and submit a consent form in order for your child to received the nasal flu vaccine.
