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Reviewing last weeks final part of our "All things Flu" articles - discussing Childrens Flu vaccine

Posted by Eamonn Brady on

Children Flu Vaccines

 

Flu vaccine for children

Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. Children who are sick with flu miss days in crèche, childcare and school. They also miss out on their usual activities such as hobbies and sports. For the second year in Ireland, children aged 2 to 12 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free. It is available from Whelehans Pharmacies. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others.

 

The vaccine is given as a single spray in each nostril of your child's nose. Your child can breathe normally while getting the vaccine. There is no need to take a deep breath or sniff.

 

The vaccine is not painful and is absorbed quickly. It will work even if your child has a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose after the vaccination. Most children need only 1 dose of the vaccine each year. Some children with chronic health conditions like chronic heart or lung conditions may need 2 doses. The doses are given 4 weeks apart if they have never had a flu vaccine.

 

Side effects of the nasal flu vaccine

The most common side effects are mild and include:

  • a runny or blocked nose
  • headache
  • muscle aches

 

Some children get a fever (temperature) after the vaccine. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. If your child has a fever or a headache, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Aspirin, or any medicines that contain aspirin, should never be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. This is especially important in the 4 weeks after getting the flu vaccine.

Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are rare. There is no evidence that you can catch flu from the nasal flu spray.

 

Vaccine Safety

All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you or your child. The flu vaccine for children has a good safety record.

Convenient Vaccination Service at Whelehans Pharmacies

Whelehans offer flu vaccine at our Pearse St and Clonmore store most days daily for adults and children; For convenience you can book online on the Whelehans Pharmacy website or ring us at 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). It only takes a few minutes to get vaccinated. It is free for over 65s, children and people with long term medical conditions, healthcare workers and long-term carers.

 

Check www.hse.ie for more vaccine information. For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans Pharmacies, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore).


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