Sussex Immunisation Warning: Schools Return
- As children return to school, health officials are strongly encouraging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on essential vaccinations.
- The free flu inoculation is available to all children aged two to 16.
- Health authorities are also emphasizing the importance of the MMR (measles,mumps,and rubella) vaccine,notably given the recent nationwide increase in measles cases reported by the BBC.
Urgent Immunisation Reminder as Schools Resume
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Updated September 2, 2025, at 05:49:31 AM
Protecting Children from Flu and Measles
As children return to school, health officials are strongly encouraging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on essential vaccinations. Dr.selma Stafford, NHS Sussex clinical lead and local GP, explained that the classroom habitat facilitates the spread of illnesses like flu and measles.
The free flu inoculation is available to all children aged two to 16. Additionally, children aged six months to under 18 who are in clinical risk groups are also eligible for the vaccine, which is administered via nasal spray for pre-school children at their GP.
Rising Measles Cases and MMR Vaccine Concerns
Health authorities are also emphasizing the importance of the MMR (measles,mumps,and rubella) vaccine,notably given the recent nationwide increase in measles cases reported by the BBC. Data from 2023-24 revealed that in East Sussex, more than one in ten children turning five had not received both doses of the MMR vaccine according to BBC reporting.
NHS Sussex is actively arranging catch-up clinics for children who may have missed their flu vaccine sessions at school.
Flu Symptoms and Severity
Dr. Stafford noted that while many children recover quickly from the flu, it can still cause notable symptoms such as high fever, coughs, and extreme tiredness. She added that the flu can be more serious for some children.