17 September 2013

Leicestershire schools' flu vaccine contains gelatine

A flu vaccination programme at schools in Leicestershire has attracted criticism after it was discovered the vaccine contains pork gelatine.

Leicestershire and Rutland is part of a pilot by NHS England to offer the nasal flu vaccine Fluenz to 70,000 pupils in the region, aged four to 10.

Many pupils cannot consume or use animal products for religious reasons, or because they are vegetarian.

Health officials have apologised for not informing parents at the outset.

At one school attended by Muslim pupils, head teacher Chris Hassall said it showed a lack of "sensitivity". [BBC] Read more