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# Health bosses urge parents to make sure children receive flu vaccine
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/health-bosses-urge-parents-to-make-sure-children-receive-flu-vaccine/
- Published: 2026-10-24T06:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T06:00:00.000Z
- Description: Figures reveal almost half didn't take up vaccination last winter in Staffordshire.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Health, News

ALMOST half of eligible children across Staffordshire did not take up their flu vaccine last winter, figures have revealed.

[ ](#) 

Health bosses are now urging parents to make sure youngsters are protected by completing a school vaccination consent form.

The annual flu vaccine is offered to all children from Reception through to Year 11, with school-age immunisation teams delivering vaccinations in schools and through catch-up arrangements during the autumn term.

Dr Salma Reehana, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent said:

> "For many families, October half-term is a chance to slow down after a busy start to the school year. It’s also a useful point to take stock of your child’s health and make sure nothing has been missed.  
>  
> "Flu can be a significant illness, particularly for young children and those living with certain health conditions. It can also spread quickly through households, schools and communities.  
>  
> "The good news is that there are straightforward ways for families to reduce the risk. I’d encourage parents and carers to make vaccination part of their preparations for winter and to speak to their GP or immunisation team if they are unsure what their child is eligible for."

Children who have missed their school flu vaccination can access catch-up arrangements through the [School Age Immunisation Service website](https://www.mpft.nhs.uk/services/school-age-immunisation-service?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk).

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