Child flu vaccinations
NHS Scotland recommends all eligible children should get the flu vaccine to help protect them from influenza (flu). The vaccine is given as a painless nasal spray.
Influenza (flu) is an infectious respiratory virus. Flu can be serious, even for healthy young people. Symptoms may include fever, cough, headache and tiredness.
On this page
Eligibility
The flu vaccine is currently offered to all:
- children aged 6 months to 2 years with an eligible health condition
- children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September to be eligible)
- primary and secondary school children
Important: Child flu vaccine information at NHS inform
Influenza (flu) is an infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness. Flu can be serious, even for healthy young people.
- Who’s being offered the vaccine?
- Why should I have my child vaccinated?
- How is the vaccine given?
- How will my child be offered the vaccine?
- Possible side effects of the child flu vaccines
- What if my child is ill on the day?
- What if my child misses their flu vaccine?
- Additional information for children with allergies and health conditions
- Information in other languages and formats
Help beat flu with a wee scoosh (video)
The flu vaccine is offered to children and young people aged 2 to 17 years and is usually given as a nasal (nose) spray into each nostril. It’s the safest and easiest way to help protect your child against flu.
What to expect during your flu vaccination (video)
This shows what to expect at your flu vaccination appointment, which is given as a painless nasal spray.
