Parents and carers of primary school-aged children can now take their kids to extra flu vaccination clinics.
These clinics are for children who missed the school vaccinations or don’t attend school.
Why is this important?
A recent study by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board found that schools with higher flu vaccination rates had fewer sick days. 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.
Where and When?
No appointment is needed. Just bring your child to one of the health board’s School Nursing Immunisation Service clinics.
There are two in Cwmbran over the next three weeks.
Take your child to Cwmbran Clinic, Tudor Road, Cwmbran, NP44 3YA on Thursday 28 November 2024 from 3pm to 5pm or on Thursday 12 December 2024 from 3pm to 5pm.
This is the building next door to Cwmbran Police Station.
Why Get Vaccinated?
Flu can be serious, leading to illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccination helps protect your child and others.
When to Keep Your Child Home
If your child has a high temperature or feels too unwell to go to school, please let the school know. For advice on common illnesses, check the ABB Healthier Together Wales website.
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.”
Richard Clark, Torfaen Council’s 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.”