Further catch-up clinics to offer children free flu vaccinations across Wolverhampton

A series of free catch-up vaccination clinics will be taking place to allow pupils who missed their free flu vaccination to get it ahead of the festive season.

The clinics will be taking place in Wolverhampton over the next two weekends for pupils from reception to year 11 who missed their free flu vaccine in school, and for children who are educated at home.

All children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free vaccination in school given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK, with each school in Wolverhampton being visited twice, giving children who may have been off the first time around a second chance to get vaccinated.

Parents and guardians of children who may have either missed both dates in school, or who would prefer their child to receive it in a clinic, are invited to book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics taking place.

They will take place at Dove Family Hub in Ryefield from 9am to 2pm on Saturday and at Whitmore Reans Family Hub on November 30, also from 9am to 2pm, with a final catch-up clinic taking place on January 11 at Biz Space on Planetary Road from 10am to 2pm.

Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077 and there are also clinics taking place in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.

For the majority of children, the vaccine is given via a nasal spray, while 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.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. 

"The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of the flu.

"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also needle-free for most children because it can be given via a nasal spray, rather than via injection. 

"If your child has missed out on their vaccination in school, or you'd rather take them to a clinic, please book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics being held in the coming weeks.”

Children aged two and three, and children with some long-term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. 

Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their GP if they haven’t yet received an invitation.

To find out more about the vaccination, go to the Bugbusters website.