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Flu Vaccine for children Aged 2-17

This year, all children aged 2-17 years will be offered the flu vaccine free of charge. This leaflet explains why children should get the flu vaccine plus important information about the LAIV nasal spray vaccine.

How does flu affect 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. Over a ten year period in Ireland, almost 5,000 children were hospitalised because of flu with nearly 200 requiring intensive care. Sadly 40 children died. Complications of flu include pneumonia, bronchitis, and, on rare occasions, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Children with chronic health conditions are most at risk of the serious complications of flu.

How will the flu vaccine protect my child and others?

The flu vaccine helps your child’s immune system to produce antibodies (proteins that fight infection). If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with the flu virus, the vaccine can stop them from getting sick.

If your child gets the flu vaccine, it reduces the spread of flu to others. This helps protect people around them from flu, for example their brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. If enough children are vaccinated fewer people will need treatment in hospital.

Are there any children who should not get the nasal flu vaccine?

A very small number of children will not be able to get the nasal flu vaccine because of medical reasons. Children or young persons should not get the vaccine if they: -

• have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
• are taking medicines called salicylates, which include Aspirin
• have a severely weakened immune system because of certain medical conditions or treatments
• are living with someone who has a severely weakened immune system (for example, a person who recently had a bone marrow transplant)
• are taking two medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors (for example, ipilimumab plus nivolumab) which are used to treat cancer
• have severe neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cell) except for those with primary autoimmune neutropenia
• have taken antiviral medication for flu within the previous 48 hours
• have a condition which means they have a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
• are pregnant

Talk to your doctor before getting the nasal flu vaccine for your child if they have had a cochlear implant.

Children under 2 years cannot get the LAIV nasal vaccine.

If your child cannot get the flu vaccine using a nasal spray (nose spray), your GP (Doctor) or pharmacist will talk to you about giving your child a different flu vaccine, which is given by injection.

Are there any side effects of the nasal flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a very safe vaccine. The most common side effects are mild. They include a runny or blocked nose, headache and muscle aches. Some children get a fever (temperature) after the vaccine, but it is usually mild and goes away on its own. Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare.

What if my child doesn’t feel well after vaccination?

If your child has a fever (temperature) or a headache, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not give Aspirin or medicines called salicylates to children, unless they have been prescribed by a doctor. This is especially important in the 4 weeks after getting the vaccine. Talk to your GP (Doctor) or pharmacist if your child is very unwell after the vaccine.

There is more information on the HSE website.

I understand the above.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS FORM IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD VACCINATED

Information required is for the child being vaccinated.

Child’s Full Name*

Child’s Date of Birth* DD/MM/YY

Child’s PPS Number*

Parent’s Email*

Parent’s Mobile Number*

I allow Ballyboden Medical to contact me about this appointment.

Your child's medical history

School Name:

Child's Class: Naíonáin Bheaga - Aideen Naíonáin Mhóra - Eva R1 & R2 - Emily R3 & R4 - Lasairíona R5 & R6 - Treasa 6th class - John

Child's Address including Eircode:

Child's GP Name*:

GP Address:

Mother's Birth Surname (required for HSE vaccination records):

Child's Gender*: Female Male

Child's Nationality (required for HSE vaccination records):

Child's Ethnicity (required for HSE vaccination records): Irish Irish Traveller Any Other White Background African Any other Black Background Chinese Any other Asian Background Roma Any other Roma Background Prefer Not To Say

Is the child allergic to eggs? Yes No

Has the child ever had an allergic reaction to to any previous vaccination? Yes No

Has the child ever suffered an anaphylaxis attack? Yes No

Has the child thrombocytopenia or any other coagulation disorder? Yes No

Please list any current medications or allergies of the person being vaccinated:

Please list any long term health conditions of the person being vaccinated:

Please list anything else you want the doctor to know:

I (as a person aged over 16 years or as a parent or guardian of the person aged 2- 17 years).

• have read and understand the vaccine information provided, possible side effects and the risks and benefits of immunisation.
• confirm that the information I have entered is correct.
• confirm that the information I have entered is for the person being vaccinated.
• understand that the nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) is not recommended for pregnant persons. Should the person getting the flu vaccine be pregnant, a flu vaccine injection will be offered.
• understand that I am giving consent for the administration of a flu nasal vaccine LAIV.
• have been given an opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns by calling Ballyboden Medical and speaking to the Doctor administering the vaccine.

I agree that the details I have supplied on behalf of the patient have been recorded and those records will be kept by Ballyboden Medical and shared with the HSE for the purposes of public health as required by legislation.

Yes, I give consent to the administration of a flu vaccine.

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