Kids across the West Midlands to get flu vaccine to 'prevent serious illness'
Children across the West Midlands are to be offered free flu vaccines in a bid to stop them catching more serious illnesses.
Parents in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country will be asked to give consent to their children being given protection at their schools in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
NHS bosses said the influenza virus, as well as being highly infectious, can cause serious illnesses in children, such as sepsis and pneumonia.
All children from reception to year 11, including those who are home educated, are eligible for the vaccination again this year.
For most children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine-free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.
Across the Black Country, vaccinations will be given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK in schools.
