Blog post by Natalie Westmacott, nurse and lead for the school immunisation team across the whole of Dorset.
With half term coming up in October, I want to tell you why now is the perfect time for your child to get protected from flu.
Why is the flu vaccination so important?
We all know how quickly little ones can catch colds and bugs, but flu is a whole different ball game. When the flu hits, it can knock your child out for days, sometimes even weeks.
Fevers, aches, coughs – it’s the kind of thing no parent wants to see their child go through. And flu season can be unpredictable. Once it’s here, it spreads fast, especially among kids in schools and nurseries.
That’s where the flu vaccine comes in. Think of it as armour for your child’s immune system. It helps prepare their body to fight off the flu before it even has a chance to take hold. Early protection means fewer sick days and less worry for you.
Natalie Westmacott: Nurse and lead for the teams give flu vaccinations in schools
By vaccinating your child now, you’re helping ensure they are protected for the whole flu season, which means less chance of last-minute sick days, and more time for them to be doing the things they love.
It protects more than just your child
Here’s a bonus: when you get your child vaccinated, you’re not just protecting them—you’re also helping protect others around them. That means grandparents, younger siblings, and anyone else in your family or community who might be more vulnerable to the flu. It’s a team effort that helps keep everyone healthier.
What about needles?
I get it. Needles aren’t exactly a hit with kids (or us, for that matter). But for younger children, there’s an option that’s needle-free. The nasal spray vaccine is quick and easy—just a quick squirt in each nostril, and you’re done. A small moment of discomfort can mean a whole season of protection.
You can visit our new child friendly webpage, Flu Fighters to watch videos about the flu vaccination and show your child that the vaccine is just a tickle up the nose. It might help put your mind at rest too.
Let’s stay ahead of flu
By getting your child vaccinated now, you’re setting them up for a strong, healthy flu season. It’s one less thing to worry about, and you’re giving them the best chance to avoid the flu altogether, as well as protecting your family.
Children age 2/3 can have their flu vaccination at the general practice surgery. School age children can have their flu vaccination with me and my team during school time – please remember to sign that consent form! If you miss the school vaccination service, you will be contacted to rebook at a local location.
For more information about all the vaccinations visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations
