About Influenza (Flu)
The children’s flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray to nursery, Year 11 aged children to help protect them against flu. Flu can be very difficult; it is a very nasty illness that can leave you bedridden for days or weeks at a time. Protect your child and those more vulnerable surrounding your child.
An injectable option is available in school for those that require it for medical or cultural purposes. This includes primary aged children for 2026 to 2027 but please note, if you wish to be present school may be able to accommodate this otherwise you will need to book a community clinic appointment. If the nurses assess your child to be too nervous to be given the injection without a parent or carer present we will inform you that they have not been vaccinated via email and you will need to book a community clinic appointment.
The 2025 to 2026 National Influenza Programme eligibility includes children who will be 2 or 3 years old on 31 August 2025. You can access this at your GP practice or some pharmacies. If your child attends a school attached nursery (on the same site as the primary school) and attends on the day we are visiting, we can give the nasal spray as an opportunistic offer. Please note, that if your child does not attend nursery on the day we are visiting or is absent on the day, you will need to book an appointment with your GP.
Leaflet
Vaccine used: Fluenz Tetra
- Nasal spray for under 18 years old
- Most effective protection for children
- Patient information leaflet: Fluenz Tetra, INN-influenza vaccine (live attenuated, nasal)
Vaccine used: Flucelvax Tetra
- Intramuscular injection, usually given in the upper arm
- Porcine free
- Egg free
- Patient information leaflet: Flucelvax Tetra II-13
For further information on flu, including side effects and contraindications. Visit the NHS: Children’s flu vaccine page.
For further information on independent research carried out on vaccines, visit the Oxford Vaccine Group website
Frequently asked questions
How do I consent or refuse?
Follow the link at the side. You will need your school code which school can provide you with or it is on the letter we sent you via school or all school codes. Visit the school codes list page.
Why should I refuse?
We need to be aware of your wishes, without a refusal form you will continue to receive invites for the flu vaccine.
What if I consent and either change my mind or my child’s health has changed?
If you change your mind regarding consent or there are any changes to your child’s health following submission of the form, you must contact us on the above telephone number.
If I refuse, can I consent later?
Yes, please contact us and we can change your refusal form to a consent form if we have not yet been into your school. If the session date has already taken place, please contact us to arrange a community clinic appointment.
I cannot access the form anymore to consent?
This means that the portal has closed. Please contact us to discuss community clinic appointments.
Does the nasal spray contain porcine or gelatine?
Yes, but it is a very purified version which is barely detectable and because it is for medical purposes, it has been deemed permissible for use by the British Fatwa Council. We can offer an injectable vaccine alternative that does not contain porcine. This vaccine is only administered in those that require it for medical or cultural purposes.
Is the injection better or worse than the nasal spray?
Nasal spray is most effective in children and protection lasts longer. However, if it is not suitable for your child, the injectable option offers good protection and recommended where LAIV is contraindicated or otherwise unsuitable (for example, parents object to LAIV on the grounds of its porcine gelatine content). The LAIV also remains easier in administration making it easier and more suitable for the eligible age group.
My child attends primary school and hasn’t been offered the injection before, is this new?
Yes, we trialled the offer in a few primary schools in 2025/26 and are now offering it in all primary schools.
I know my child won’t have it in school, can I book a clinic appointment now?
You can book a clinic appointment after the school session, this information is sent to you by school after the session.
Video transcript
On screen title: The School Aged Immunisation Team in West Yorkshire.
Nurse: Hello, my name is Rachel and I’m a nurse with the school aged immunisation service in West Yorkshire. We offer vaccinations as part of the National Immunisation Schedule to all secondary school aged children. This is a school-based programme, and it is not routinely offered by GP practices.
On screen title: What Are Vaccinations?
Nurse: Vaccinations remain the best method of protecting young people and their families from potentially life threatening diseases. The injection works by helping your immune system to fight the disease if you come in to contact with it.
On screen title: Year 8 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 8 out of 10 people come into to contact with the HPV virus within their life time.
Nurse: We offer all year 8 students the Human Papillomavirus vaccination, referred to as HPV. It is administered at this age before young people become sexually active because it’s most effective at preventing infection before exposure to the virus. It protects from 9 types of HPVs that can cause cancers including cervical cancer, male and female genital cancers, anus cancer, some head and neck cancers and genital warts.
On screen title: Tetanus (T) Diphtheria (D), and Polio (IPV) and MEN ACWY
Nurse: We offer all year 9 aged students the Tetanus Diphtheria and Polio vaccination(IPV) which is a booster to complete the course started as a baby.
At this time, we also give Meningitis ACWY. The Men ACWY vaccine is given to teenagers and helps protect against 4 types of bacteria linked to meningitis A, C, W and Y. This is the only dose in the National Routine Immunisation Schedule.
On screen title: Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Nurse: The MMR vaccine is offered if you haven’t already had two doses. It protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Measles, Mumps and Rubella are highly contagious diseases which can lead to serious illness and unfortunately can be life threatening.
On screen title: How to submit your intent
Nurse: Close to the school’s session date your school will send our letter with your school’s unique code via their normal means of communication. To submit a consent or a refusal form, follow the link provided by school. A link to the form will also be in the comment section of the video below.
Nurse: Injections in the arm only takes a few seconds. Common and mild side effects include redness and soreness around the injection site, a slightly raised temperature and an aching body. More serious side effects are very rare, and you can read more about this on the NHS website.
On screen title: More information on vaccinations can be found on the NHS website
