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A healthcare worker wearing gloves places a cotton pad on a child’s upper arm after an injection. A healthcare worker wearing gloves places a cotton pad on a child’s upper arm after an injection.

Immunisations at Primary School

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If your child is due to have vaccinations at primary school, it’s normal to have questions or feel a bit unsure. You may be thinking about how your child will cope, what to expect, or if the vaccines are safe. You are not alone—support and clear information are available to help you feel more confident.

More about immunisations at primary school

Immunisations provided in primary school include the annual flu vaccine, which helps protect your child and your family from influenza. This forms part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The flu vaccine is usually given as a quick and gentle nasal spray. An injectable flu vaccine is also available if there is a requirement for this alternative.

Vaccinations take place alongside their peers, with a member of school staff present to provide reassurance. Our nursing team are highly experienced in supporting children who may feel particularly anxious. After receiving the nasal spray, your child may develop a runny nose or feel slightly tired for a short time. Serious side effects are rare, and most children return to normal very quickly. You should seek advice if: you have concerns about your child’s health, your child has had a strong reaction to vaccines in the past or your child feels particularly worried or distressed.

Talking things through and having clear information can help you support your child and feel more confident about vaccination. You can check your child’s vaccination history in their “red book,” which is their personal child health record. This usually includes details of the vaccines they had when they were younger. If you cannot find this information or are unsure, you can ask your GP or your local immunisations team for help and advice.

Questions and answers

What will happen when my child has their immunisation at primary school?
Your child will be given the vaccine during the school day, usually in a quiet, organised setting. It is quick to do, especially if it is the nasal spray, which is not painful. Staff are used to supporting children and helping them feel at ease.
Will my child feel unwell after the vaccine?
Most children feel fine afterwards. Some may have mild symptoms like a runny nose, feel tired, or a slight temperature for a short time. These usually pass on their own within a few days.
My child is nervous, what can I do to help?
It’s normal for children to feel worried, especially if they don’t like unfamiliar situations. Talking calmly about what will happen and reassuring them it will be quick can help. Letting them share their worries can also make them feel more in control.
How do I know if my child should not have the vaccine?
If you have a question regarding eligibility please contact us. You can put all the information regarding your child's health condition on the consent form for the nurses to assess.
When should I seek help after the immunisation?
Seek help if your child feels very unwell, if symptoms last longer than a few days, or if you are worried about their reaction. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for advice.
Do I have to decide straight away about giving consent?
You may feel unsure and need time to think things through. It’s okay to take time to read the information and ask questions so you feel confident in your decision.

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