Immunisation warning issued as schools return

The flu immunisation is offered free to all children aged between two and 16

Parents are being urged to ensure their children are immunised as schools start up again.

NHS Sussex clinical lead and local GP, Dr Selma Stafford, says children being back in the classroom "makes it easier for flu and other illnesses to spread".

The flu inoculation is being offered free to all children aged two to 16, while children aged six months to under 18 in clinical risk groups are also eligible. The flu immunisation is administered to pre-school children via a nasal spray at the GP.

Parents have also been asked to check that their children have had both doses of the MMR vaccine, with cases of measles in particular on the rise nationwide.

It was revealed last month that more than one in 10 children turning five in East Sussex had not had both doses of the MMR vaccine, according to the latest figures from 2023-24.

NHS Sussex confirmed that catch-up clinics are also being arranged for any child who misses their flu vaccine session at school.

Dr Stafford added: "Although many children can bounce back quickly, flu can still cause high fever, coughs, and extreme tiredness, and it can be more serious for some."

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