BOLTON parents and carers are being encouraged to help protect their children from flu this winter, as the largest ever programme vaccinating children against it gets underway.

This year, the vaccine is being offered to 2 – 4 year olds and those in school years 1, 2 and 3, in a bid to protect more than 23,000 children in Bolton.

A national survey of parents of eligible children showed that nearly four out of 10 (37 per cent) are unaware of the nasal spray and nearly one in eight (13 per cent) have never given vaccination a thought.

The vaccine is quick and painless, given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free, but it is very safe and effective.

Ensuring that young ones are vaccinated can reduce the spread of this infectious disease among the whole family, including those who are at risk such as babies, older people, pregnant women and people with serious long-term conditions.

It is estimated that several million people get flu each winter, leading to more than 2,000 NHS intensive care admissions across the UK last year.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chair of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The nasal spray is a quick, easy and painless way to help prevent young children catching flu.

“Although people don’t think that flu is a serious illness, it can be dangerous.

“Getting the vaccine is the best way to help protect against catching flu. So I urge all parents of children aged 2 – 7 to get their children vaccinated.

“Don’t put it off, it’s free – because your family needs it.”

Parents of children aged 2, 3 or 4 should contact their GP to arrange a flu vaccination. Parents of children in school years 1, 2 and 3 are encouraged to give permission for their children to receive the free nasal spray vaccination at school.

An advice day is taking place in Victoria Square today from 9.30am to 3.30pm.