With October half-term here, health leaders in Norfolk and Waveney are sharing some quick and easy tips to help keep your family healthy – and to make sure coughs, colds and winter bugs don’t spoil the fun.

We’re already seeing the usual mix of winter illnesses, including norovirus (the ‘winter vomiting bug’), colds and flu. While these can be unpleasant, most people will feel better with rest, plenty of fluids, and a few days at home. Your local pharmacist can also give fast, expert advice and recommend over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms. If you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 is there for you 24/7 – either online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. They’ll guide you to the right care, whether that’s self-care at home, a local pharmacy, or another NHS service.

This October half-term, the NHS is making it easier for parents and carers to get children protected against flu with catch-up vaccination clinics for those who missed their school session.

Over one million school-age children across the East of England are eligible for the flu vaccine. From Monday 27 to Friday 31 October, children in Reception through to Year 11 – including those who are home-schooled – can get their free flu jab at a local catch-up clinic.

Parents of children in mainstream schools can book appointments via the School Vaccinations UK website, which lists local clinics and contact details. Extra clinics are also running at various sites across Norfolk and Waveney until early December – book by calling 0300 555 5055 (option 2) or emailing hct.csaisnorfolk@nhs.net.

If your child’s school hasn’t yet been visited, you may be asked to wait until the NHS team comes to them. For home-schooled children, or those attending SEND schools or Pupil Referral Units, call 0300 555 5055 to arrange an appointment.

The flu viruses change every year, so it’s vital that children get their vaccine annually to stay protected and help stop the spread. Most children will be given a quick and painless nasal spray, though an injection is available if needed. Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that flu activity is already rising, especially among children, with hospital admissions increasing earlier than usual this year. So far, more than 1.39 million flu vaccines have been delivered in the East of England since the campaign began this autumn, but parents are being urged to return consent forms quickly or make use of catch-up clinics to prevent further spread.

Parents of two- and three-year-olds can also now book appointments online or, for the first time, drop in to a local pharmacy to get their toddler vaccinated. Given that flu often spreads among children first before moving into adult populations, the NHS started vaccinating children and pregnant women in September to provide early protection and help keep services resilient this winter.

Kate Keeling, Head of Immunisations at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “Half-term is a welcome break for families, but it’s also a time when coughs, colds and bugs can spread quickly. Most minor illnesses can be managed at home with advice from your local pharmacist, but the flu vaccine is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your children – and the wider family – from flu this winter.”

For more information about local vaccination services in Norfolk and Waveney, visit the Norfolk and Waveney Vaccinations webpage.