Parents urged to vaccinate children from flu

A nine-year-old boy from Devon died last year

The parents of a nine-year old boy from Devon who died shortly after contracting flu last year are urging other parents to vaccinate their children.

Louise Simons and Jamie Chrichard say they don't want other families to go through the pain they've suffered since Coby died.

The request follows the release of data from Public Health England (PHE), showing that GP consultations across the country for Influenza-like illness have risen in the last few weeks.

In Devon, community clinics are being scheduled for school age children, who missed their initial school appointment for a nasal flu spray.  Parents who would like to book a flu vaccination, should call 0300 2470082 to arrange an appointment.

In addition, pre-school children and children who are at-risk are also eligible for a free vaccination. Parents should contact their local pharmacy or GP practice for more details.

Supporting the flu vaccination campaign, brave Devon parents; Louise Simons and Jamie Chrichard are once again sharing their emotional story at this difficult time - to help promote the campaign to vaccinate children.

Coby died of pneumonia on 24 January 2018, just days after coming down with flu.

The #ThumbsUpForCoby social media campaign launched last year, with the phenomenal result of an additional 1500 children aged between two and three, being vaccinated.

Louise said: Taking part in the campaign was really important to us. It made us so proud to know the impact that our son’s story had, on other people. The main thing is that those children were being protected from the flu and I would urge all parents once again, to make sure their children are vaccinated.

Jamie added “We have learned so much about the flu and know how bad it can be and that so many people lose their lives. Coby was strong and hardly ever poorly – but the symptoms of flu were so hard to recognise.

Please don’t put your children at risk– make sure they have the flu vaccination and help us spread this message far and wide.”

Some delays have been experienced with the delivery of flu vaccines from the manufacturer, but these have now been resolved.