Nasal Flu Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Every winter, flu spreads quickly among children and families. The NHS offers a nasal flu vaccine to protect children and help reduce flu cases in the community.
At South Ealing Pharmacy, we provide the NHS children’s flu vaccine for families across Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford, and West London. Here’s what parents and carers need to know.
What the nasal flu vaccine is
The nasal flu vaccine is a quick, painless spray given into each nostril. It contains a small amount of weakened flu virus. This helps the body build protection against flu without causing illness.
It is not an injection. Most children prefer it because it is needle-free and over within seconds. The vaccine is updated each year to match the strains of flu expected to circulate.
Who it’s recommended for
The NHS recommends the nasal flu vaccine for most children aged two to seventeen years.
It is offered free on the NHS to:
- All children aged two or three (through GP surgeries)
- All primary school children
- Some secondary school children, depending on the year group
Children with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, are also advised to have the vaccine. This is because flu can be more serious for them.
If your child cannot have the nasal spray for medical reasons, a flu jab may be offered instead.
Effectiveness compared to the jab
The nasal flu vaccine works very well for children. Because it is given directly into the nose, it helps build immunity in the lining of the airways where flu viruses first enter.
Studies show it is as effective, and sometimes more effective, than the injected flu vaccine for children. It also helps reduce the spread of flu in schools and families.
This community protection is important. When children are vaccinated, fewer people around them catch flu, including older relatives and those with weaker immune systems.
Common side effects
Like all vaccines, the nasal flu spray can cause mild side effects. These are usually short-lived and not harmful.
The most common side effects include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Slight fever for a day or two
These symptoms normally pass quickly without treatment. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
If your child has a weakened immune system, severe asthma, or certain medical conditions, they may not be able to have the nasal spray. In those cases, the injected vaccine is usually recommended instead.
Where to get it
Children aged two and three are usually invited by their GP for the vaccine. School-aged children are offered it at school as part of the NHS programme.
At South Ealing Pharmacy, we provide the NHS children’s flu vaccine for eligible patients. Our trained team makes the process simple and stress-free for parents and children.
Families from South Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford, and the wider Ealing area are welcome to book with us.
Why the nasal flu vaccine matters
Flu can make children very unwell, leading to missed school days and time off work for parents. In some cases, it can cause complications such as pneumonia or ear infections.
By vaccinating children, we protect not only them but also the people around them. This helps keep flu levels lower across the community during winter.
The nasal flu spray is safe, effective, and easy. It remains the preferred option for children across the NHS.
South Ealing Pharmacy services
South Ealing Pharmacy is here to support local families with NHS services. Alongside children’s flu vaccines, we provide NHS flu and Covid vaccines for adults, health advice, and other essential pharmacy services.
We aim to make healthcare accessible, friendly, and convenient for everyone in Ealing and West London.
Key takeaway
The nasal flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from flu. It is quick, needle-free, and widely recommended across the NHS.
Most children are eligible for the nasal spray each winter. If they cannot have it, the injection is an alternative. Both help protect children and reduce the spread of flu in the community.
If you live in South Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford, or West London, you can book your child’s NHS flu vaccine at South Ealing Pharmacy.
📞 Call us today, visit in person, or book online for your child’s flu protection this winter.
