As of January 2010 the Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccination is being offered to all children who are between 6 months and 5 years old.
This is because children in this age range are thought to be more at risk of developing complications and having more serious symptoms when they catch the Swine Flu. Although most children will still only get mild symptoms research has shown that children of this age are more likely to be hospitalised with Swine Flu than older children and adults.
There are two versions of the vaccine available, one manufactured by GSK (Pandemrix) and one by Baxter (Celvapan). Most children will normally be given one dose of the Pandemrix. Celvapan is used if a child has a strong allergy to eggs and will be given in two seperate doses.
Your child may get some side-effects after having the Swine Flu vaccine. These are usually a raised temperature, a very sore arm and sometimes mild flu-like symptoms. However many children show no ill effects from having the vaccine.
The Swine Flu vaccine is thought to provide around 80% protection against catching the virus and should provide this protection for a number of years. As well as stopping your child from catching the Swine Flu it is also hoped that by vaccinating children the spread of the virus will be reduced.