Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
The vaccine will be offered to
Those eligible for the childhood and school flu vaccination programme include:
- children aged 6 months to 2 years at higher risk of flu
- children aged 2 to 5 years (on 1 September 2024 and not yet at school)
- all primary school children in Scotland (primary 1 to primary 7)
- all secondary school pupils (S1 to S6)
- home-educated young people
- young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible.
How is the vaccine delivered?
The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children.
About the nasal spray
It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.
How do children and young people get their vaccine?
Age 6 months to 2 years at risk
Young children will start to receive appointment letters by post with details of where and when the vaccine will be given. This group also includes those aged 2 to 5 not yet in school.
Children aged 2 to 5 years
This includes children born on 1 September 2024 and not yet at school.
Primary school children
Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. The parent or carer must consent and return their consent form to the Community Immunisation Team [via the school] and will then receive their vaccine nasal spray starting early September through to December 2024.
Secondary school children
Consent forms and further information will be given to older age school children on return to school. Whilst they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first, the pupils (S2 and above) can self consent to the vaccine. All secondary school pupils who have given consent to the Community Immunisation Team via their form will receive the flu vaccine nasal spray at school starting in early September through to December 2024.
Left school or missed an appointment?
If a young person has left secondary school, they are not eligible to get a flu vaccine at school. 16 and 17 year olds with an eligible health condition who have left school can phone 0800 030 8013 to book an appointment for the flu vaccine or by visiting the online booking portal
More information at https://www.nhsinform.scot/childflu or call 0800 030 8013.
Other pages in Immunisation
High School Vaccinations
Helping protect children and young people against some very serious and often preventable illnesses.
Flu vaccination for healthcare and social care workers
All healthcare workers as well as frontline social care workers are eligible for the free flu jab. The strains circulating change constantly and the vaccine offered this year will give you the best possible protection against catching and spreading the virus.
