Be Wise, Immunise

Family hubs throughout South Tyneside are hosting flu clinics over the next few weeks and parents and carers are encouraged to get their two and three-year-olds vaccinated.

Flu can be a nasty illness for young children with 6,000 in the UK hospitalised as a result of the illness last year.

The child flu vaccine is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "Children can be super spreaders of the flu virus so it's important to get your little ones immunised as early as possible. This not only keeps them safe, it also protects other members of the community too."

The clinics will be held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at the following hubs:

Horsley Hill Family Hub - 16 October and 13 November

Riverside Family Hub - 23 October and 14 November

Bede Family Hub - 24 October and 20 November

Boldon Family Hub - 27 October and 21 November

Hebburn Family Hub - 6 November

Marine Park Family Hub - 9 November

The clinics are all drop-in but appointments can be pre-booked by calling the Health Visitors on (0191) 2832677 if that is preferred. All children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian if walk-in as signed consent is required. Consent forms can be collected ahead of pre-booked appointments from the Family Hub.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Families' and Children's Social Care, said: "Having so many Family Hubs across the borough means that it has never been easier for parents and carers to have their little ones immunised. I would encourage everyone to get their children protected for their own health and for those around them."

Pregnant women are also being encouraged to get vaccinated as they have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Pregnant women can receive the flu and Covid jabs at the ante-natal clinic at South Tyneside Hospital on Wednesdays between 9am and 4pm. No appointment is necessary.