Flu jab for under 5s Post Reply

[Cloud]

Does anyone know whether it is possible (or even advisable) to get your under 5s vaccinated? My husband and I get the seasonal flu jab every year but not sure what the right thing to do is re: our little one. I read somewhere that flu can be dangerous for under 5s, but they are not one of the 'at risk' groups identified by the NHS. And my (limited) research seems to have turned up slightly conflicting advice. Just wondering whether anyone has spoken to their GP about this. I am of course happy to pay to get it done at Boots.

[workingmum62]

My 1 year old is in an "at risk" group and she has hers scheduled for today so I know they do give it to under 5s. Hope that helps.

[Cloud]

Thanks workingmum62. Do you have any idea whether they will give it to under 5s who aren't in 'at risk' groups though?

[workingmum62]

I think so, I think you just have to pay... But probably best to check with your GP or with these guys who sometimes post on here - http://www.nightingalesdoctors.com/babies_children.php (they say they do the flu jab at the bottom of this page)

[Nightingales.Doctors]

Thank you for the mention workingmum62!

The Department of Health Recommends that children between the ages of 6 months and 13 years should receive the seasonal flu vaccination if they fall into an "at risk" group. Over the last couple of years, many parents have chosen to have their children vaccinated even if they are not within these groups and are usually fit and well.

Nightingales Doctors see all their patients at home at a time that is convenient for you. If you would like to arrange for your child to have the seasonal flu (or any other vaccine) please do get in touch.

Nightingales Doctors
Bringing healthcare to your home

http://www.nightingalesdoctors.com
info@nightingalesdoctors.com

[Cloud]

Still trying to get to the bottom of whether it is advisable to get a jab if your child ISN'T in the 'at risk' category. Nurse from local NHS doctor's surgery said they don't advise getting the flu jab if not 'at risk' but not sure whether they actually advise AGAINST it. Is there any reason not to get the jab?

[Nightingales.Doctors]

Dear Cloud,

The "Green Book" is a Department of Health publication about immunisation against infectious disease. There's lots of information about all sorts of vaccines in there. This is a summary of the information that should hopefully answer your question

Immunity develops 10 - 14 days after the injection
This year's vaccine isn't "live" so you can't get flu from it
If you are acutely unwell with a temperature and systemic upset, the vaccination should be postponed until you're better
The only absolute reason not to have the vaccination is a confirmed anaphylactic reaction (which is very rare) to a previous dose or any of the vaccine contents (except ovalbumin - that's the egg based protein that the vaccine is made with, recent studies have shown that its safe)

Nightingales Doctors
Bringing healthcare to your home

http://www.nightingalesdoctors.com
info@nightingalesdoctors.com