Free nasal spray flu vaccines now available for children aged two to 12

This year the HSE is also extending the programme to offer vaccines in school to children in Senior Infants, and all children in Primary Age Special Schools. Picture: Getty images

The children’s free nasal spray flu vaccines are now available  for children aged two to 12, the HSE said.

The vaccine can also be given free to children aged 13 to 17 who are at high risk from the flu, and is available for both age ranges from GPs or pharmacies.

This year, the HSE is also extending the programme to offer vaccines in schools to children in senior infants, and all children in primary age special schools.

Last winter, some 1,274 children under the age of 15 had to be admitted to hospital with influenza, HSE data shows.

It warned that between 2009 and 2019, some 41 children died because of flu complications, with 183 admitted to intensive care units.

HSE National Immunisation Office consultant in public health medicine Dr Aparna Keegan said the flu can be dangerous for children.

“We know that children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily to other children,” she said.

Young children, in particular, are more likely than adults to be very sick from flu. Vaccinating children protects them — and their siblings, parents, grandparents, and those who are vulnerable.

The vaccine is sprayed once into each nostril for each child, and the HSE reassured parents that is “a quick and painless spray”.

“Children can breathe normally and many of them report that it tickles when being given. 

"Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, quick and pain free way to protect children from flu this winter,” the HSE said.

Its advice is that while most children who catch flu have mild symptoms, it can sometimes lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Symptoms can include high temperature, muscle pains, headache, and extreme tiredness.

More information about the children’s nasal flu vaccine on hse.ie/flu.