Parents and carers across the South West are being urged to get their two and three year olds vaccinated against flu this winter.
This is to help protect them against the disease and reduce its spread both to other children, including their brothers or sisters, and parents and grandparents.
Flu is not just a heavy cold and children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults, including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuff nose, dry cough and sore throat.
Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment.
Dr Jon Roberts, Consultant in Public Health, Screening and Immunisation Lead said: “The flu vaccine helps protect your child from flu and reduce the chance of spreading it on to others.
“Vaccinating your little ones will help you to avoid the need to take time off work because of flu or to look after your children with flu.
“For most children, it is a quick and easy nasal spray. Children aged 2 and 3 receive the vaccine through their GP and those aged 4-11 years old receive it in school.
“If you have a child who is of the eligible age, make sure you sign the form allowing them to have the flu vaccination at school.”
