All school-aged children to be offered flu vaccine this winter
Health teams will visit more than 360 schools over the coming months
All school-aged children across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are being offered the flu vaccine this winter to help protect them against the virus.
Flu symptoms include a high temperature, sore throat, headache, aching muscles and joints and extreme tiredness.
It can last for several days, and some people may develop complications and need hospital treatment.
The flu vaccine helps protect children, their families, friends and the wider community against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Sirona care & health's School Aged Immunisation Team is visiting more than 360 schools across the region over the next few months, offering the free vaccine to pupils from reception to year 11.
Last year, the team vaccinated more than 74,500 young people.
Children who are home educated or don't attend school can book an appointment at one of the service's community clinics.
Karen Evans, Associate Director for Children's Services at Sirona, said the vaccine was the best way to protect children from flu.
"The vaccine is free and helps to protect children and their families from flu," she said.
"Our Immunisation Team will be carrying out vaccinations in schools across BNSSG five days a week over the next few months. Having the vaccine is the best way to protect your child against flu and help reduce the spread of flu in the community."
The vaccine is normally given as a quick nasal spray, though Sirona offers an injectable version for children who can't have the spray because of its porcine gelatine content, or where it isn't suitable due to other health conditions.
The team delivers vaccinations in schools to make them more accessible to children and their families.
Pupils in designated special schools can also receive the vaccination until their 25th birthday.
Children educated at home will be sent an email or letter by their local authority, allowing them to attend a community clinic from October onwards.
Anyone who misses their school session can also be vaccinated at a community clinic by booking an appointment.
Over the next couple of weeks, schools will email consent forms to parents and carers, who are being encouraged to fill them in as soon as possible.
Only young people with valid consent will be vaccinated.
Appointments for community clinics can be booked by emailing Sirona or calling the service directly.
The flu vaccine is also available for adults at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, including people aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to 65 with certain long-term conditions, and people who are pregnant.
Some people, including those who are pregnant, can get vaccinated now, while other eligible groups will be able to get the vaccine from 1st October.