THOUSANDS OF children across Forth Valley will be targeted in the fight against flu later this year.
Preparations are under way for a major campaign which will see 18,000 primary school pupils invited for vaccination between September and December.
The programme is also being extended for children not yet at school, who will be offered vaccination by nasal spray at their GP practice.
Almost 120 schools in Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk will be targeted, with the majority of clinics to be held in school at weekends, following a successful pilot last year which saw a 65% uptake.
In more rural primaries, staff from local GP practices will administer the flu vaccine.
Unlike the adult flu vaccine which is injected, the childhood vaccine, which is suitable for most children, is administered using a quick and painless nasal spray.
NHS Forth Valley consultant in public health medicine and immunisation coordinator, Dr Henry Prempeh, said: “This nasal vaccine is only for children and offers excellent protection against the types of flu virus which are most likely to be circulating each winter, safeguarding children against a nasty disease which could end up with them having to have treatment in hospital.
“Another benefit is that it reduces the risk of a child with flu passing on the disease to other children and family members.
“It also cuts down the possibility of parents and carers having to take time off to look after sick youngsters.”
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk