RCPCH responds to expansion of flu vaccination programme

We respond to the government's announcement of this year's flu vaccination programme, which includes Year 7 for the first time.

Professor Helen Bedford, Immunisation Expert for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said:

We welcome the expansion of the flu programme to Year 7. Unlike COVID-19, the flu virus can make children very sick and they are super spreaders. Flu vaccination protects the child and the rest of the community including older relatives. Children with chronic health conditions are a group who really need protection as flu can be very serious for them. Parents of children from 6 months old with chronic health conditions should speak to their GP or paediatrician as they may not be included in the routine vaccination programme.