The answer

This year is the first time that all children aged between two and 17 years in England who are eligible for vaccination against influenza are being given the nasal spray vaccine rather than an injection. 

At four years old, Hattie was born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2014 and she is therefore entitled to a free flu vaccination. This may be given at a GP surgery, school or another community or childcare setting. William is also eligible as he falls under the category of children aged two to 17 years with long-term health conditions. Mark needs to make an appointment for William’s vaccination to be administered at the GP surgery.

The nasal vaccine is given as a single spray squirted up each nostril. Being quick and needle-free, it is hugely advantageous for children, and there is evidence that it is more effective than the flu jab. The nasal mucosa absorbs the product very rapidly, meaning that the chance of the vaccine failing is incredibly small, even if the child sneezes or blows his or her nose afterwards. 

The only children for whom the nasal spray is not suitable are those who are immunocompromised, are actively wheezing or have very severe asthma (defined as individuals taking high dose inhaled steroids or who have been prescribed oral steroids within the last 14 days), are on salicylates, or are allergic to any of the ingredients.