Early data shows impact of child flu vaccine pilot

Initial results of the uptake and impact of the child flu vaccine pilot programme launched last year have shown the potential benefits of the scheme.

Launched by Public Health England, the expanded national flu immunisation programme is available to all children from the age of two to 17 years. Pilots took place in Bury, Cumbria, Gateshead, Leicester City, East Leicestershire and Rutland, and the London boroughs of Havering and Newham and South East Essex.

A total of 104,792 primary age children received at least one dose, representing an overall uptake of 52.5 percent in the target group. The cumulative GP consultation rate for flu-like illnesses during 2013-14 has since proven to be higher in non-pilot areas compared to pilot regions.

Dr Richard Pebody, study author and flu expert at Public Health England, said: "It will be important we continue this ongoing close monitoring of the programme, but the high uptake levels achieved in most pilot areas using school-based delivery demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high coverage levels."

In the UK, about 600 people a year die from a complication of seasonal flu. People in at-risk groups – such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions – are advised to see their doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.