Fighting Flu In Fife

Doctors say youngsters are two to three times more likely to be ill with flu than adults.

A nasal spray vaccine has been launched to protect 2 to 5 year olds.

Around 150, 000 kids are eligible.

Kirsty Stevenson, chairperson at Carnock and District Toddler Group said: "We are delighted that children of this age are now being vaccinated against the unpleasant effects of flu. I encourage all parents to take their pre-school 2-5 year old children to the GP for the nasal spray vaccine as soon as possible, to protect them throughout the winter months as flu spreads more easily in cold weather.
 
"The childhood flu vaccination will make Carnock and District Toddler Group a much healthier place. It will help prevent the children who attend our toddler group from getting ill, and will also reduce the risk of flu being spread to others. The children are looking forward to transforming into 'flu fighters' to demonstrate the way in which the vaccine keeps their bodies protected from the flu virus."

Dr Nicola Steedman, the Scottish Government's Senior Medical Officer, reinforced the importance of children getting immunised against flu. She said:

"Each year in Scotland thousands of children under 14 are seen by their GP with flu or complications with flu, and a number of these children will be hospitalised. Flu can hit children hard and even healthy children can become seriously ill, especially those under five years old as they are less likely to have built up any immunity to the flu virus.

"The nasal spray flu vaccine is completely painless and only takes a few minutes, and will offer protection for around a year. I encourage all parents to ensure their child is covered by the vaccine against flu this winter."