Fluenz – Flu Vaccination for Children
Patient Information Leaflet
NHS England have rolled out the flu vaccination in nasal spray form for all children
aged 2, 3 and 4, and for all at risk children up to the age of 17.
You are here because you/your child fall into one of these categories and are
being offered the vaccination.
Before receiving the vaccination it is essential that you read in full the following
information, and discuss any issues with the nurse.
You/your child should not have the Fluenz vaccination if you or your child are
allergic to the following:



Egg or egg proteins
Gentamicin
Gelatin (porcine, Type A) – this may also be an issue if your faith does not

MSG
accept the use of porcine gelatin.
You/your child should not have the vaccination if any of the following apply:




Active wheezing or severe asthma
If you/your child are receiving salicylate therapy e.g. aspirin
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Taking flu antivirals – these need to be stopped 48 hours before receiving
the vaccination.
You/your child should not have the Fluenz vaccination if you/your child are
immunodeficient or receiving immunosuppressive therapy, for example in cases
of:





Acute and chronic leukaemias
Lymphoma
Symptomatic HIV infection
Cellular immune deficiencies
High-dose corticosteroids
You/your child should avoid close contact with severely immunocompromised
individuals (ie bone marrow transplant recipients requiring isolation) for 1-2 weeks
after vaccination.
If you have any questions please ask the nurse or your GP.