Nasal flu vaccine to be offered to thousands of school children

The flu vaccine is expected to brought to around 80,000 schoolchildren for the first time in October in an effort to boost uptake, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.

It is understood that nasal spray vaccine will be offered to senior infants in all primary and special schools for the first time.

The HSE has confirmed that for this flu season, all children age 2 to 12 will be offered the nasal flu vaccine for free.

Young people age 13 to 17 can also get the free nasal flu vaccine if they have a number of conditions including a lowered immune system or a high body mass index. 

The vaccination programme will begin when the children’s flu campaign gets under way on Monday, October 9.

Initially, all students of special schools will be offered the vaccine, followed by the senior infant classes in larger schools, and then the senior infant classes in smaller schools.

The nasal spray vaccine will also be available free of charge for all two to 12-year-olds from participating pharmacies.

Minister for Heatlh Simon Donnelly has now asked the HSE to develop a programme where the vaccine would be offered to all school children.

The HSE has confirmed that this year's seasonal flu vaccine contains protection against 4 strains of flu virus.

Last year, 1,400 children were hospitalised with the virus.