UHNM leads national study to understand and improve flu vaccination rates in children

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) led a national research study examining the decline in flu vaccination rates among school-aged children since the covid-19 pandemic.
 
The VIBES study (Vaccines Insight, Beliefs and Experiences in School-aged children and parents), funded through the AstraZeneca Externally Sponsored Research platform and adopted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), involved more than 1,000 parents across the UK.
 
The study, supported by UHNM’s Research and Innovation (R&I) department, was the first nationally to use the new NIHR Schools Network, enabling researchers at UHNM to engage with families from a wide range of ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. 
 
The findings will support the development of future public health communication aimed at improving uptake.
 
Flu vaccination rates for children aged two to 12 had been steadily rising before the pandemic but have fallen since then.
 
Professor Will Carroll, consultant paediatrician and chief investigator, said: "The study showed that parents’ beliefs are the biggest factor in whether they choose to vaccinate their children. Parents are more likely to accept the flu vaccine if they feel it is safe, protects the wider community and does not cause harm. Advice from family and trusted healthcare professionals also makes a real difference.
 
"These findings will help us provide clearer information to families and those eligible for vaccination, particularly around safety and community protection. By working with NIHR and schools across the country, UHNM is supporting national efforts to strengthen public health and improve vaccine uptake."
 
The research also found that white British parents were more likely to get the flu vaccine for their child, but overall, the study showed that parents’ beliefs and advice from people they trust are more important than background or demographics.
 
Ann-Marie Riley, UHNM chief nurse, said: “Flu can be serious for children and those around them with vaccination is the best way to protect your child and help stop the spread in the community. The flu vaccine is safe, effective and it’s usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray.

“If your child hasn’t had their flu vaccine yet, speak to your GP, practice nurse, or your child’s school immunisation team. By vaccinating your child, you’re helping protect them, your family, and vulnerable people in your community.”