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Vaccinations

Children's flu vaccine

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Children are offered the flu vaccine because it can sometimes cause serious problems such as pneumonia. Vaccinating them also helps protect others.

The children's flu vaccine is for children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain health conditions.

Most children who need it can have the flu vaccine. Children cannot have it if they've had a serious allergic reaction to it or an ingredient in it.

You can check the ingredients in the children's flu vaccine by asking to see the patient leaflet or searching for it online.

Most school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) get their flu vaccine at school. Children aged 2 to 3 years old get the vaccine at their GP surgery.

The children's flu vaccine is a nasal spray given in each nostril. Children who cannot have the nasal spray will get a flu vaccine given by injection.

Side effects of the children's nasal spray flu vaccine include a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, feeling tired and a headache.

The children's flu vaccine aims to protect children against common flu viruses. They might still get flu, but it's likely to be less serious.

Page last reviewed: 13/12/2023
Next review due: 13/12/2026