Children's Nasal Flu

Why are flu immunisations important in children?

Flu is caused by viruses and spreads easily. Anyone can get flu but children have the highest rate of infection. Flu can be serious for children and complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Some children may become unwell with flu that they need to go to hospital.

Having the flu vaccine also reduces the chance of children and young people spreading flu to others who may be at greater risk, such as babies, grandparents and those with long term health conditions.

 

Who can have the nasal flu vaccine?

Children from the age of two can have a free flu vaccine in 2025/26. This includes:

  • All children who are aged two or three on 31 August 2025
  • All school-aged children (Reception to year 11) including children who are home-educated

Also, children aged six months or over and who have any of the long-term health conditions that puts them at increased risk from flu.

 

How do I get my child vaccinated against flu?

The flu vaccine is quick and painless and is given via nasal spray – so no needle's needed.

2-3 Year olds

Children who are aged two or three (age on 31 August 2025) are invited to have their flu vaccine at their GP surgery. If your child is in this age group and hasn’t received an invitation for their flu vaccine by mid-November, contact their GP surgery. In some areas, children may be offered their flu vaccine in nursery or their child-care setting.

School Children

For children who attend school (Reception - Year 11) the vaccine will be given by the School Nursing Service at the child's school. If your child is in Reception - Year 11 please complete your child's E-Consent Form when receivedby your child's school.

If your child requires a gelatine-free vaccine, you can request this on the E-Consent Form.

Home Educated Children

If your child is educated at home, or in alternative education provision, contact your local GP surgery or complete your child's E-Consent for when received by the local authority. 

 

More information

For more information on flu, nasal flu and eligibility, visit the Public Health Wales Immunisation page.

Improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of expectant mothers, infants, children and young people throughout Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Area.

(N.B: The Family and Therapies team at ABUHB is NOT responsible for the content on the webpage links that we refer to in our resource sections and linked information to external sites. All information was accurate and appropriate at the time the webpage was created.)

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