How to help your child’s immunity before they go Back to School

As much as I look forward to the kids going back to school (to give this Mumma a break!) I also dread the illnesses to come. It’s just a known fact that once kids go back to school – a lot of them will get sick as they pass their germs around. I try as hard as possible to increase their immunity levels in the lead up to returning to school and here are my 5 top tips:

1. Ensure vaccines are up to date

I always have a chat to our family GP about our child’s vaccine schedule. I ensure that each of the kids have had their required vaccines and discuss any new changes or recommendations. Since having Maxi, we have had to get the flu vaccine for the whole family as well. He had a very bad first winter and was in hospital multiple times due to various complications from getting sick. After having a chat to the doctors at the hospital and our GP – they recommended that we all get the flu vaccine until Maxi builds a stronger immunity.

2. Get outdoors

Luckily in the lead up to going back to school – it is summer in Australia and we can all enjoy the outdoors. The vitamin D they will receive from the sun not only helps build strong bones but is a natural immune boosting vitamin as well.

3. Hand washing

Getting your kids into a good hand washing routine will help prevent them from picking up germs and bringing them home. It can get tedious to remind them to wash their hands all the time, but warm water and soap will kill most of the bugs that gets them sick – and at some point, the kids won’t need reminding anymore and washing their hands becomes second nature. 

4. Green smoothies

Green leafy veggies are packed full of immune boosting goodness BUT most children are unlikely to want to eat green veggies on their own (I know my kids don’t!) A good way to disguise these greenies is to blend it into a smoothie and don’t even tell the kids! I serve up a mix of kale or baby spinach, milk, yoghurt, honey, banana and frozen mango or mixed berries (to change up the flavour every day) and both kids devour the goodness.

5. Use immunity boosters

A great way to support the kids’ immunity all year round is by using the Sambucol Kids Immunity Gummies. The Gummies formulation include Elderberry, Vitamin C and Zinc. Black elderberries have the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries. Antioxidants are fantastic in helping to strengthen their immune system. These are recommended for children aged 2+.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL; FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE; IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL; THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU. READ THE LABEL BEFORE PURCHASE;

Written in partnership with Sambucol