Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nasal Flu Vaccination: 

Does my child need to have the flu vaccination every year?

Yes, the flu vaccine for each winter helps provide protection against the strains of flu that are likely to be present and may be different from those circulating from the previous year.

Why is my child’s school not having the vaccination until December?

The school age immunisation service offer the flu vaccination to children in over 600 schools. The team arrange the sessions in schools between October and December to ensure that all children are offered the vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the nasal flu vaccination is safe and effective. Evidence has shown that since the introduction of the vaccination to the childhood programme, there has been a drastic reduction of hospital visits by children.

Can they still have the vaccine if they have a cold or are unwell?

The nurse will assess your child on the day of the session. If your child has a very blocked or runny nose or a high temperature the vaccination may need to be delayed. The nurse will be able to speak to you if you are unsure.

My child is allergic to eggs, can they still have the vaccine?

If your child has been in intensive care because of their egg allergy, they will be offered an alternative vaccination. Please speak to the immunisation team if you are unsure if your child can receive the vaccine.

What if I don’t want my child to receive a vaccine containing porcine gelatine?

We are able to offer an alternative vaccine. Please complete the consent form and select your preference.

Teenage Programme (includes teenage booster and HPV)

Do children still get the BCG vaccination in school?

The BCG vaccination is no longer routinely given to pupils as part of the childhood immunisation programme.

What are the side effects of having the vaccinations?

It is normal for your child to have a sore arm at the injection site, some redness or swelling may be evident, they may also get a headache. These symptoms should normally disappear after a day or two.

MMR

Who needs to have the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine gives long lasting protection with two doses of the vaccine. All children over the age of one, should have two doses. The first dose is usually given at one year of age and the second dose is usually given at age 3-years-old and 4- months-old.

Older children and adults should have two doses of the vaccine with a one-month gap between them. It is never too late to have the vaccine if you haven’t had two doses.

Can I have the MMR in separate injections?

The MMR vaccine is given as a combined vaccine within the UK, rather than a series of single ones. There is no country in the world recommending giving vaccines against the three infections separately.

Is it a live vaccine?

Yes it is. This means that the MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy.

If you have a medical condition, or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it’s safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.

Does the MMR vaccination cause autism?

There’s no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this. For further information or concerns, discuss this with a healthcare professional.

How do I know that my child has received their MMR vaccinations?

If you are unsure whether your child has previously had the MMR vaccine, you can check with your GP or School Age Immunisation Service.

My child is allergic to eggs, can they still have the vaccine?

If your child has been in intensive care because of their egg allergy, they will be offered an alternative vaccination. Please speak to the immunisation team if you are unsure if your child can receive the vaccine.

How long is the gap between doses? Do you have to restart a course if the gap is too long?

Dose 1 is given at 12 months old, dose 2 is given at 3 years 4 months as per the immunisation schedule. If doses are given outside of the schedule there must be a minimum of four weeks between doses. There is no maximum gap between doses so there is no need to restart the programme.

Where can you get the vaccine?

From your GP surgery: All children aged one year to 3 years 4 months should be offered the vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations at their GP surgery. Older children and adults should contact their GP practice if they have had one or no doses of the vaccine.

From your School Age Immunisation Service: The School Age Immunisation Service can offer all school-aged children the MMR vaccine, either in a school setting or a community clinic.

General

I didn’t fill in the form before the session, can I still get my child vaccinated?

The e-consent will re-open after the session in school, which will allow you to complete a form. Your child will need to have the vaccination in a community clinic and you will receive an email advising you how to book, using the reference number supplied.

I don’t have an email account, how do I get my child vaccinated?

If you have a family member who has an email address, you could ask them to use this. Alternatively, you can contact your local immunisation team.

I don’t want my child to be vaccinated. Do I still need to complete a consent form?

Yes please. This will enable us to update your child’s record to show that the vaccine has been offered and declined.

My child is home educated, can I get the vaccination at the GP?

The school age immunisation teams are contacting parents of children who are home educated and offering an appointment in a community clinic. If you have not heard anything, please contact them using the email addresses at the top of the page. If your child is in the clinical risk group, they will be able to receive the vaccine at the GP.

What happens if my child is absent on the day of the session?

The immunisation teams do not routinely revisit the school. If you have completed a consent form and your child does not receive the vaccination, you will receive an email advising you to book into a community clinic, using the reference number supplied.

I can’t access the E Consent form.

If you are having trouble accessing the link on the letter emailed to you, click here.

What vaccines should my child have had already, and how do I know what vaccines I am consenting to?

You can see which vaccinations your child should have had by viewing the vaccination schedule. For a vaccine guide, please visit the NHS website.

I don’t know what vaccines my child has already had

You can contact the school age immunisation team who can check your child’s immunisation history.

What happens if my child misses their vaccinations?

The school age immunisation team will continue to offer vaccinations to all students who miss their vaccinations when they next visit the school.

Is it safe to have lots of vaccines on the same day?

Yes, it is safe for your child to receive multiple vaccines on the same day.

Team contact details