Parents and carers in the City of London are being asked to make sure their children get the annual flu vaccine.

As the flu virus changes, a different flu vaccine is needed every year. It is offered to all children aged 2 and 3, on or before the 31 August, and all school-age children, up to year 11.

More than 10,000 children were hospitalised last winter due to flu. Data shows that the vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalisation by two-thirds.

The children’s flu vaccine is a quick and painless nasal spray, and no needles are used.

The City Corporation is also urging parents of school-aged children to make sure they complete the vaccine consent form from their children’s schools.

For those eligible pre-schoolers, appointments are booked via their GP practice.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:

“More than 10,000 children were hospitalised last year because of flu.

“This is why we are urging all parents living in the City to get their children vaccinated.

“It is a quick and painless nasal spray, which means there are no needles, and it will help your children avoid serious illness.”  

The call comes four months after a plea to parents and carers to check their child has had two doses of the MMR vaccine.  

Government modelling revealed an increased risk of a measles outbreak in London due to low vaccination rates.

The free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is offered to children at one year of age, and when they reach three years and four months.

It is important to have both doses of the vaccine, and it’s never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations.

If parents or carers are not sure, or if they aren’t fully vaccinated, they can contact their GP practice to check and book an appointment. 

To find out more about childhood vaccinations, visit the NHS website nhs.uk/childvaccines.