Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Health agency asks South Asians to protect their children from flu

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND is encouraging South Asian parents to protect their children from the flu this winter, as the largest ever flu vaccination programme gets underway.

Kuljit Deeljur, mother of three, Colly Ullah, mother of two, and Hamisha Mehta who is pregnant with her second child, share their experiences of the flu vaccine and urge other parents to vaccinate their children.


The flu vaccine is free for groups, including children aged two and three (provided they were this age on August 31, 2019), all primary school children and pregnant women.

For most children, the flu vaccine is not usually an injection, just a quick and easy nasal spray.

Children aged two and three (on August 31, 2019) receive the vaccine through their GP and all primary school aged children receive it in school.

Kuljit Deeljur, a teacher and mum of three, made sure her two-year-old daughter Surina got the flu nasal spray vaccine this year following advice from her GP.

Her elder son Jay, who is five, will be vaccinated at school this year.

Sharing her views, Deeljur said: “It’s really horrible when our little ones get sick and with flu, children can get fever, chills, aching muscles and headache. Like other parents, it’s important that I protect my children against illness when I can. Having the vaccine reduces the chances of getting flu, which is why Surina got the vaccine this year through our GP and it’s why Jay will be vaccinated at school.

“I was initially worried that Surina would be uncomfortable while getting her vaccine at the GP surgery, however, as with Jay previously, it was really quick, easy and I know it’s a painless alternative to needles."

Colly Ullah, a teacher and mum of two, signed and returned the consent form so that her two sons, Samiul aged eight and Elias aged five, both had the flu vaccine at school earlier this year.

She’s made sure they’ve been vaccinated against flu every year since they’ve been eligible.

Ullah said: “In the time they’ve had their vaccines, neither Samiul or Elias have been sick with flu. In my opinion, prevention is the key to remaining healthy and that’s why I’d remind parents of children in primary school to sign and return the consent form.

“I know that once children get flu, they spread it around. We are a busy family of four and it’s really important that we all stay well, and don’t miss any school or work days over the winter months. The flu vaccine is the best protection we have against flu, so I’d encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated.”

In addition to children, pregnant women are also eligible for the free flu vaccine. Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result flu can cause serious complications for women and their babies. The vaccine is available no matter how many months pregnant or how fit and healthy a woman may feel.

Mehta, a finance professional and mother, is pregnant with her second child.

She made sure her two-year-old daughter Anya got the flu nasal spray vaccine this year, and she'll also be getting herself vaccinated. Talking about the flu vaccine during pregnancy, Mehta said: "When you’re having a baby, there are so many things to think about and prepare for, however, making the decision to have the flu jab was easy and one less thing for me to worry about. I had it during my first pregnancy and I'll be having it again this winter as I'm pregnant again.

"The vaccine is safe and will protect me and my unborn child during my pregnancy, as well as for a few months after birth, so I can focus on being a mum. There is a higher chance that flu in pregnancy can lead to complications and this can be dangerous for your baby, so I would recommend the flu jab to other pregnant women as not only is it free, but it is also quick and safe.”

Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine should contact their GP, pharmacist or midwife to protect themselves and their families before the flu season takes hold.

More For You

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less