Health sniffs out new protection against flu

Friday 26 September 2014

Toddlers and children who have just started school are being offered a new form of protection against winter flu – a disease that’s not to be sneezed at say the Health department.

Their nasal vaccine programme starts next month when pre-schoolers aged two, three and four can get it free at their GP and children in reception classes will be offered it at school.

Consultant Paediatrician Dr Mark Jones said the winter flu can be very serious if children catch it.

He said: “People tend to think of flu as a disease that’s confined to the elderly, but that’s a myth. Each winter we see too many young children coming to the hospital with flu and they are particularly vulnerable if they catch it.

“Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in this age group causing, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness. This can often last several days, with parents having to take time off work to care for them. Some children can also get a very high fever and may develop complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and need hospital admission.”

Children in the United States have been getting the vaccine squirted up their noses for more than a decade instead of the traditional injection.

If it proves to be a success here the Health department hopes to roll it out at a later date to protect older children against the seasonal illness.

Head of Healthcare Programmes Dr Linda Diggle said: “Last year, we had calls from parents asking if they could get the nasal spray vaccine for their child rather than them having to have the traditional flu injection.

“Parents were obviously aware that the nasal spray was being routinely used by GPs for pre-school age children in the UK, so we’re really excited that we can now offer this to young children in Jersey.”

Children under two can’t get the nasal spray so those aged between six months and two will still be able to get the vaccine injected at their GP surgery. Babies under six months are too young for any flu vaccine.

Dr Diggle said: “Over the next few weeks, parents of pre-school age children aged from six months will receive a letter advising them to contact their GP surgery to arrange for their child to receive a flu vaccine ahead of the winter season.

“Parents of children in school reception classes will also receive information about the nasal spray vaccine and they’ll be asked to return a consent form to the school if they wish their child to be protected against flu. As with all childhood vaccines, uptake by parents is voluntary.”

Dr Jones said the vaccine has very few side effects and is urging parents to get their children protected.

He said: “None of us like giving injections to children, so it’s particularly welcome that we can offer protection through a simple nasal spray. The nasal vaccine contains flu viruses that have been weakened so children cannot get flu from the nasal spray. Instead, each vaccinated child builds up their own resistance to flu, just as they would naturally after having the illness, but without any flu symptoms.

“The nasal vaccine is very effective for children and from experience of its use in other countries we know it’s safe. There are very few side effects, though we expect some children may experience a runny nose for a short time after having the nasal vaccine. As a paediatrician, I certainly recommend that parents take up this opportunity to protect their children.”

The Health department also recommend that pregnant women, those aged 65 and over and anyone with underlying health conditions get the winter flu vaccine as they are all at greater risk of complications if they catch flu.

You can find out more about the vaccine programme at www.gov.je/flu