School nurses employed by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust have been busy delivering a pilot scheme with NHS England to offer flu immunisation to all year 7 and 8 pupils in the Solihull area.

Parents of pupils involved in the pilot should have received a letter and leaflet in September with an explanation of the vaccination and its potential benefits.

Parents have been asked to fill out and return a consent form as the vaccine is voluntary; however it is strongly recommended in order to give children and others the best protection possible against the flu virus.

The vaccination programme successfully got under way earlier this month and will continue at secondary schools across Solihull until December.

Lorraine Hoolachan, immunisation lead in the School Nursing team at the Heart of England Trust, spoke about the benefits of the pilot programme.

She said: “The Fluenz vaccination is a simple, painless nasal spray that will protect children against many strains of flu virus. This pilot programme for Year 7 and 8 pupils in schools across the borough will help us to stop the spread through our schools of what can be a very nasty illness and also help protect friends and family members of those immunised.

“The Fluenz immunisation has proven to be a very effective tool against flu in the past but we acknowledge and understand there are some concerns surrounding the use of porcine gelatine in the vaccine.

“Acceptance of this has been gained from some faith groups for the use of porcine gelatine in non-oral medicines. However, due to some uncertainty and differences of opinion in some communities we want to make sure parents have all the information and guidance they need to make an informed choice.”

If you require any further information about the Fluenz vaccination please visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspx where there are also links to advice and guidance on the use of porcine gelatine in vaccines.