Primary schoolchildren across Essex and children in years 7 and 8 in South-East Essex are being offered a free nasal spray vaccine to protect them from flu.

Schoolchildren in the county have been amongst the first to benefit from the painless immunisation.

However, it’s expected that the nasal spray vaccine will be brought in for all primary schoolchildren in the future.

This immunisation is part of NHS England’s pilot scheme in partnership with Public Health England.

The free nasal spray has been available in local primary and secondary schools since the start of October.

Flu is a highly contagious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. Immunising schoolchildren should help stop the spread of the virus through the school, and to friends and family members who may be more vulnerable to its effects.

The Fluenz immunisation is a simple, painless nasal spray that protects children against many strains of the flu virus. The spray has been used safely and effectively in the USA for over 10 years, and last year it was introduced in the UK as a way of protecting healthy 2 and 3 year olds against the virus.

Dr Pam Hall, Screening and Immunisation Lead at NHS England, said: “Flu is not just a bad cold. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or a painful ear infection, especially in the young and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In the worst cases, flu can result in a hospital stay, and it can even kill.

“The vaccine is the best possible protection against the flu virus. Not only is the nasal spray needle-free, it also works even better in children than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.

“It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.

“By having the vaccine, children can be protected from what can be a very nasty illness and also reduce the chance of passing flu on to others. Parents should have received an information pack, including a consent form, with details about the vaccine and how it is being delivered. The immunisation team is delighted to be supporting this pilot in Essex."

Immunisation teams and school nursing teams are working to ensure that the county’s pupils are offered the Fluenz nasal spray in school. It’s not available at local GP practices unless children are already in an at-risk group.

For more on the Fluenz vaccination visit the NHS Choices website