Flu case numbers are twice as high among school children than the general population, the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown.
As of last week, the rate of laboratory confirmed flu cases amongst school children aged five to 14 years is higher than any other age group – at a weekly average rate of 5.7% compared to a whole population average of 2.5%.
All school-aged children, up to and including year 11, are eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine which can be delivered through local NHS School Immunisation Teams.
The immunisation teams are typically led by an immunisation specialist nurse manager, with the team working in partnership with the UKHSA, GPs, school nursing teams, health visiting services and other children’s community nursing teams.
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The flu vaccine typically produces a better immune response in children, with evidence from last year’s flu season showing a 54% reduction in hospitalisation for those aged two to 17.
Roll-out of the flu vaccine in schools started in early September, with local immunisation teams scheduled to deliver vaccines across schools throughout October and November.
Last year saw a sudden rise in the number of people having to be hospitalised during a flu peak leading up to Christmas and again in the New Year.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, flu vaccination programme lead at the UKHSA, said the data shows ‘that while flu remains at low levels, it is highest among school children’.
‘Children’s immune systems respond well to flu vaccines, which for most children is given as a quick and painless nasal spray in school, helping to give them good protection as winter approaches,’ she added.
Dr McDonald is reminding parents to sign and return their vaccination consent forms to ensure their children can get vaccinated at schools.
Parents who have missed the chance to get their children vaccinated at school are also being encouraged to get them vaccinated at community clinics instead.
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Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said the latest data was a stark reminder of how easily viruses can spread in schools.
‘Despite delivering almost 10 million flu vaccines to all eligible groups since kicking off this year’s autumn campaign, it’s still as important as ever to ensure your child is protected as winter approaches,’ he said.
Earlier this month, the School and Public Health Nursing Association (SAPHNA) published a report showing school nursing services are being ‘stretched to breaking point’.
The report highlighted the pressures on school nurses at a time when their services are in increasing demand, with pupils presenting with more complex emotional and physical health conditions.
SAPHNA has also launched a petition demanding a school nurse in every school amid a staggering decline in school nurse numbers.
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Meanwhile, the UKHSA is launching a new ‘scaled-up’ campaign with NHS England to urge people to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccination when invited.
The campaign comes as vaccination data for England revealed a decline in flu vaccine uptake rates between 2022/23 and 2023/24 across all eligible groups, with only four in 10 people with long-term conditions taking up the offer last year.
