Doctors warn that unvaccinated children could endanger grandparents and vulnerable relatives during festive family gatherings
GPs in Bury are making an urgent call for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against flu, warning that low uptake could put vulnerable loved ones at risk during Christmas get-togethers.
Only 33% of two and three-year-olds across Bury have received the free nasal spray flu vaccine so far this season. Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director of Bury GP Federation, described the situation as “deeply worrying” and said children act as “super-spreaders” of flu.
“With cases rising fast in younger age groups, and hospital admissions up by 72% locally compared to last year, the need to act now is critical,” he said.
Dr Patel called it an “urgent, heart-felt plea” to parents and carers. “We are doing everything we can, but two-thirds of eligible children are still unprotected,” he said. “Getting your child vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect older and vulnerable family members.”
The nasal spray vaccine is offered for free at GP surgeries and pharmacies. It is quick, painless, and has been shown to reduce the risk of children needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds.
To reach more families, Bury GP Federation’s nursing team has been vaccinating children directly in nurseries. Nurse Aqsa Arshad, who has delivered hundreds of vaccines, said many parents had shared concerns about vulnerable relatives falling ill.
“Parents have told me about elderly family members being hospitalised with flu, and how worried they are about Christmas mixing while cases are climbing,” she said.
A Christmas catch-up clinic will be held on Tuesday 23 December at East Bury Family Hub, 25 Dorset Drive, from 10am to 3pm. A full list of clinics and participating pharmacies is available on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care website https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/childrens-catch-up-flu-vaccination-clinics/
Children eligible for the flu vaccine include:
- All children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
- All primary and secondary school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 with certain long-term conditions
- All under-18s in clinical risk groups
Parents should have already received an invitation through their child’s GP or school. Dr Patel added: “Please help us to help you and your family stay well this Christmas.”
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