Flu symptoms are extremely close to covid symptoms, so it’s easy to confuse the two. That’s one of the reasons why the NHS is offering the flu jab to more people than usual this year, including children. But should I give my child the flu vaccine? Do they really need it?
The NHS normally offers a free flu jab to those over 65, pregnant people, those with certain medical conditions, and more.
This year, the vaccine will be given to a range of different people to protect them against the flu.
The flu kills a staggering 17,000 people in a year in England alone, and increasing vaccinations against it will prevent hospitalisations from the flu while the NHS is overwhelmed with covid-cases.
That’s why the vaccine is being offered on the NHS for a larger group of people this year, including children.
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Should I give my child the flu vaccine?
Your child does not have to have the vaccination, but it might be a good idea to get it done.
The NHS site explains children spread flu quicker because they don’t use tissues properly or wash their hands enough.
With kids back at school, they could risk spreading the flu to other children.
Let’s not forget that the symptoms of flu and coronavirus are extremely similar.
Having the flu vaccination could prevent confusion between the two and any symptoms after the jab would suggest to you that your child has coronavirus.
Vaccinating children will also protect others who are more vulnerable to the flu.
This includes babies, older people, pregnant women, and those with serious long-term illnesses.
If your child frequently comes into contact with any of these vulnerable people, it’s worth getting them vaccinated.
Children very occasionally die of flu themselves, and healthy children under the age of five are the most likely age group to be sent to hospital with the flu.
Preventing them from catching the flu will be a weight lifted from the NHS.