Make sure you get your flu jab this winter

Due to the Covid pandemic, this year’s flu vaccination programme has been expanded to include more at risk groups including parent carers and children and young people with long-term health conditions or a learning disability.

This follows new analysis that shows an increased risk of having coronavirus with flu.

As a charity working to support parent carers we know many are often too busy to think about their own health.

And we know that the Coronavirus pandemic has stopped almost half of families with disabled children from seeking medical care for themselves and their children.

That’s why Contact is urging eligible families with disabled children in South London to get the flu vaccine.

Who is eligible? l all children aged two-11 – primary school age children and children in Year 7 of secondary school will get their flu vaccination at school, so look out for the consent forms.

Younger children and those who are home educated can get their vaccine at a community health clinic or your GP surgery.

⋅ all children aged 12-17 who have a long-term health condition or a learning disability – you can choose whether to get your child vaccinated at a community health clinic or your GP surgery. Get in touch with them to arrange.

⋅ young people aged 18 and over with a long-term health condition or a learning disability.

⋅ carers, including parent-carers, are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for a disabled person who may be at risk. Getting the flu vaccination is one way to protect the health of parent carers, children and young people with disabilities.

Amanda Batten Chief executive, Contact, the charity for families with disabled children