Parents and carers of children in Reception-Year 11 urged to complete flu vaccine consent form
Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging parents and carers to complete their child’s online flu vaccine consent form ahead of school vaccination sessions taking place this autumn term.
The School Nursing Service will visit primary and secondary schools across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire to deliver the nasal flu spray vaccine to children in reception to year 11.
Parents and carers need to complete a new online e-consent form to state their decision and make sure their children receive the most suitable vaccine as soon as possible. In doing this it will help the vaccination sessions in schools run smoothly.
Those who are unable to complete the form for any reason should contact the School Nursing Team for support as soon as possible by calling 0300 430 7777.
Flu can be a serious illness and spreads easily among children. Vaccination helps protect children from becoming unwell and reduces the spread of flu to family members, friends and vulnerable people in the community.
The recommended flu vaccine for most children is the nasal spray vaccine. Children who are unable to have the nasal spray vaccine due to medical reasons can now receive the injectable flu vaccine in school from the School Nursing Service.
The nasal spray vaccine contains pork gelatine. Parents and carers who would prefer their child not to receive this vaccine can choose a gelatine free injection. Further details, including guidance from faith organisations, are available through the consent form.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda, said: “Flu can make children very unwell and it can even cause hospitalisations. It also spreads quickly through households, schools and communities.
"Vaccination is the best way to protect your child to make sure they stay as healthy as possible. Having a flu vaccine also helps to reduce the spread of flu to others.
“Please make sure you take a few minutes to read the information regarding the flu vaccine so that you can make the best decision for you and your child.
“With flu outbreaks starting earlier than usual this year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you and your community are protected.”
Young people aged 16 and over can provide their own consent. In some cases, young people under the age of 16 may also be able to consent if they fully understand the vaccination being offered. However, parents and carers are encouraged to be involved and discuss the vaccine with their child before the session takes place.
After returning the e-consent form, there is no need to contact the school nurse unless any of the following apply:
your child receives the flu vaccine elsewhere
there are any changes to your child’s health
your child’s asthma medication is increased
your child is prescribed oral steroids
your child develops wheezing symptoms
If any of the above apply, please call 0300 430 7777 before 12 midday on the last working day before the school nursing team are visiting your child’s school.
To find out when the School Nursing Team will be visiting your child’s school, please visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/school-immunisations
Click the link to find out more and complete the e-consent form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/puCzYYNP4a