Flu Vaccinations
Currently, fewer two- and three-year-old children in Birmingham are vaccinated against flu compared to neighbouring local authorities and other large cities. This means more children in Birmingham are at risk of getting seriously ill or needing hospital care due to flu.
Why should my child have the flu vaccine?
Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children causing fever, extreme tiredness, aching muscles and joints, stuffy nose, dry cough, and sore throat. Children usually begin to feel better within about a week.
Complications of flu include acute bronchitis, painful ear infections, and pneumonia. Some children may need to go to hospital for treatment, including intensive care.
What are the benefits of the vaccine?
Having the vaccine will help protect your child from what can be a very nasty illness in children. Children under the age of 5 years have one of the highest rates of hospital admissions due to flu. It will also reduce the chance of others in your family, who could be at greater risk from flu, such as grandparents or those with long term health conditions, getting flu from your child. It can help you avoid having to take time off work, or other activities, to look after your sick child or if you become sick yourself.