Message from Anna Hartley, Executive Director – Public Health. Winter Illness and Vaccinations.

This week the UK Health Security Agency has reported that cases of flu and respiratory illnesses are continuing to increase, particularly amongst school-aged children, with signs of a possible earlier flu season than in previous years.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “Flu spreads easily in winter because we all spend more time indoors with each other and have larger social gatherings. Children are prone to catching winter viruses like flu, which they can easily pass on to other family members, even if they don’t have any symptoms themselves.  

“Children have the same flu symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat lasting up to a week.

“Flu can cause serious illness in children and vulnerable people, including acute bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia. In some cases, children may require hospitalisation and intensive care treatment.

“We can prevent the spread of flu and the likelihood of getting seriously ill by getting ourselves (if eligible) and our children vaccinated. The nasal flu vaccine has been safely delivered in the UK for many years and is highly effective in protecting our children against flu.”

How children can be vaccinated:

• Parents of children who are aged 2 or 3 (on or before 31st August 2025) should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination or speak to a local pharmacist.
• School-aged children (from Reception to Year 11) will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school. Parents and Carers will have received a link to the Flu Vaccination Consent Form to consent to their child being vaccinated, or via SMS text from the NHS for that home educated, not in education, and 2 and 3 year olds. For any queries or support in submitting a consent form, the School Aged Immunisation Service can be contacted via email barnsleysais@swyt.nhs.uk. 
• There will be further opportunities to get vaccinated in community clinics provided by the School Immunisation Team. These sessions may also enable vaccination of two- and three-year-old children. The planned dates for community clinics are available at School Age Immunisation Service | South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust.  

Other ways to prevent the spread of flu and respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Bin used tissues as quickly as possible.
• Try to stay at home and avoid high contact with other people if you have a high temperature or other flu symptoms.
• Keep children at home until they no longer have a high temperature and feel well enough to attend school.

“As we head into winter, it’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves and each other. Simple actions, like washing our hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when we’re unwell, can make a real difference in keeping our families and communities healthy. Vaccinations remain a key tool in protecting against serious illness, but it’s also about supporting those around us, checking in on neighbours, and making sure our children are well enough before sending them to school. Together, we can help Barnsley stay safe and resilient this winter.”

Further information about the children’s flu vaccine, including how to book an appointment, can be found on the NHS website.