Why it matters: Health officials are urging families to take advantage of the half-term break to protect children against flu before the cold winter weather hits.
The details: Walk-in clinics are offering flu vaccinations to school-aged children from reception up to Year 11 who have not received the vaccine from their school during the week of 27-31 October.
Parents can check dates, times and locations of clinics offering the flu vaccination at www.sneevaccine.org.uk.
Many pharmacies are also offering booked and walk-in clinics for two and three-year-olds to receive the nasal flu vaccination. Appointments can be made via the NHS App, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.
What they're saying: Lucy Archer, who is coordinating the rollout of the flu vaccination programme for NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "This holiday week is the perfect time to make sure your child is best prepared for winter and protected against flu.
"Flu can spread easily, so with a vaccination you are not only protecting your child against the virus, but you are also helping prevent its spread to other family members, some of whom could be particularly vulnerable."
She added: "And, remember too that the walk-in clinics are offering flu vaccinations to those in other age groups who are eligible, so please take up the offer."
The bottom line: The half-term break provides a convenient opportunity for Suffolk families to protect their children against flu and help prevent the virus spreading to vulnerable relatives as winter approaches.
