What is seasonal flu?

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter.

It’s a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced that closely match them.

The H1N1 virus that caused the ‘swine flu’ pandemic last year will still be around this winter, so this year’s seasonal flu vaccine will include a vaccine to protect against this virus.

Find out more about seasonal flu, its symptoms and effects.

Do children need the vaccination?

If you have a child who has one of the 'at risk' conditions, or who has previously been admitted to hospital with a serious chest or respiratory condition, they should have a seasonal flu vaccination. 

These children are more likely to become ill if they catch seasonal flu, and it could make their existing condition worse. 

Talk to your GP or practice nurse about your child having the seasonal flu vaccination.

Can the flu vaccine be given to my child at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. The seasonal flu vaccine can be given at the same time as all routine childhood vaccines. The vaccination can go ahead if your child has a minor illness such as a cold but may be delayed if your child has an illness that causes a fever.

Find out more about the seasonal flu vaccination.