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Award Winning Local Youth Forum Victoria’s Voice Gives Backing for the Nasal Flu Vaccination this Winter

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The Blackpool Teaching Hospital based youth group Victoria’s Voice is helping to get the message out to children, teens, parents and guardians about the importance of getting the nasal flu vaccination this winter for children who have a long term health condition.

The Youth Forum is for young people aged 11-18 who have received treatment at Blackpool Teaching hospital. Liz McGladdery, a senior nurse and Screening and Immunisation Manager for NHS England Lancashire and South Cumbria has seen first-hand how important it is for children to get the nasal flu vaccination. She approached the group to help get the message out to children with long term health conditions to get the vaccination.

Liz said: “We are really grateful to everyone involved in the group for helping us with this.  The flu can have serious side effects if children catch it particularly if they have long term condition, and even if the condition is well managed”.

“As a parent you want to ensure you protect your children. The best way to do this if your child has conditions such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem is to get them vaccinated”.

“The nasal flu spray vaccination is painless and quick but gives lasting protection for a year against flu.”

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch. The flu vaccination is available free of charge to many children aged 2 to 17 years old, with long term health conditions and is given in the form of a nasal spray.

16 year old, Olivia Lang, who is a member of Victoria’s Voice said: “I have my nasal flu vaccination every year because I have Cystic Fibrosis. This is serious enough and I wouldn’t want to catch the flu as well. This is why we wanted to promote our message to others like us.

“Get your parents or guardian to speak to you GP about getting you the nasal flu vaccination.”

The local NHS is sharing the film clip on-line; it can be found at youtu.be/cvf9B7uL6aQ.  You can find more information about the flu vaccine at www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine

You can also follow at Facebook @NHSCMLSC or on Twitter @NHSEnglandNorth  #SWTWNW @Blackpoolhosp

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