Barnsley public health chief urges parents to get children vaccinated as flu cases rise
Barnsley’s public health director has warned that flu and other winter viruses are spreading more quickly than usual, with school-aged children seeing the sharpest rise in illness.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported growing levels of flu and respiratory infections nationally, prompting concerns that this year’s flu season may start earlier than in previous winters.
Anna Hartley, executive director of public health and communities at Barnsley Council, said the pattern was already visible locally.
She said flu spreads more easily at this time of year because people spend more time indoors and mix in larger groups, and warned that children can pass on the virus even when they do not show symptoms.
She added that children experience the same symptoms as adults, including fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, nasal congestion, coughs and sore throats, often lasting up to a week. In more serious cases, flu can lead to complications such as acute bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia, and some children may need hospital or intensive care treatment.
Ms Hartley urged parents to make sure children are vaccinated, saying the nasal flu vaccine had been safely used for many years and was “highly effective” in protecting them from becoming seriously unwell.
For two and three-year-olds, vaccinations can be booked through GP surgeries or local pharmacies. School-aged children from Reception to Year 11 are being offered the vaccine in school, with parents asked to complete a consent form supplied by the School Aged Immunisation Service. Home-educated children and younger age groups will receive information by text from the NHS. Additional community clinics are being planned to offer more opportunities for families to access the vaccine.
Ms Hartley also encouraged families to take simple precautions to limit the spread of flu and respiratory illness. She said washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of tissues quickly, and staying at home when unwell all help reduce infections. Children should stay off school until their temperature has returned to normal and they feel well enough to attend.
“As we head into winter, it’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves and each other,” she said. “Simple actions, like washing our hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when we’re unwell, can make a real difference in keeping our families and communities healthy.
“Vaccinations remain a key tool in protecting against serious illness, but it’s also about supporting those around us, checking in on neighbours, and making sure our children are well enough before sending them to school. Together, we can help Barnsley stay safe and resilient this winter.”
Further information about the children’s flu vaccine, including how to book appointments, is available on the NHS website.