Flu is a highly contagious illness caused by the flu virus; in some children, Flu can lead to serious problems like pneumonia and bronchitis; over the last 10 years in Ireland almost 5,000 children were hospitalised because of Flu.
The Flu season begins in October and lasts until the end of April. Did you know children are twice as likely to get Flu than adults? They can also miss out on weeks of school as the virus stays longer in their system compared to adults.
Children don’t often cover their mouth and nose when they cough and sneeze and so they can quickly spread the Flu virus amongst their classmates, family members and wider community.
Flu can have serious consequences for those with underlying health conditions; by enabling vaccination you are helping to protect vulnerable people in your community this Winter.
The HSE recommends children 2-17 years be vaccinated against the Flu virus. The vaccine is Free and is administered as a nasal spray. The nasal Flu vaccine is safe, painless and effective.
The health and well-being of students and staff are of paramount importance to us and by working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for your school community, minimising the impact of Flu and ensuring uninterrupted learning