Posted on: Wednesday 27 November 2024
Extra flu vaccination clinics are being held for primary school-age children.
The clinics are being run by the health board's School Nursing Immunisation Service for children who missed the vaccination sessions in their school or do not attend school.
No appointments are needed - parents or carers can just turn up with children. Community flu clinics: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/vaccinations/vaccination-pop-up-clinics/
It comes as research from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board's Public Health Nursing team shows a lower absenteeism rate in schools where more pupils had received the flu vaccine.
They reviewed the absence data of 25 schools in Gwent with a take up rate of more than 75 per cent, and 25 schools in Gwent with a take up rate of below 49 per cent.
The research found the schools with a lower take up of the vaccine last autumn saw higher levels of sickness at the start of this year.
Angharad Griffiths, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Public Health Nursing Manager, said: "The study looked at 50 primary schools across Gwent with the highest and lowest uptake of Fluenz Nasal vaccination.
"Although there is need for further investigation into specific reason for illness related absenteeism, the work indicates that the flu vaccine helps children to stay well and in school during the winter."
Flu can be serious - symptoms can be mild but can also lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
If your child is too ill to go to school, please notify the school as soon as possible.
If you aren't sure if your child can attend or not, the ABB Healthier Together Wales website has advice about a range of conditions, including coughs, colds, sore throats and viruses. For more information, watch our video with Blenheim Road Primary School.
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynF1Xd03pqE&t=4s
If your child has a high temperature or is too unwell to go to school, please contact the school as soon as possible.
Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "The key message is that if your child is ill, or has an illness that means they should stay off school, then it is important they do so.
"If your child isn't ill but you're not sure whether they should go to school, you can get advice from the ABB Healthier Together website or by speaking to their school.
"Children won't learn if they aren't feeling well but there are other conditions that shouldn't stop them from attending and getting the most out of school."