NHS Lothian is encouraging parents and carers to ensure their child gets their flu vaccine this winter.

The expansion of the flu programme to include secondary school pupils continues this winter, with all school age pupils, all children aged two to five years old and children aged six months to under two years with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu being eligible for a free flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is usually given as painless nasal spray and is a safe way to help protect children against flu.

Parents or carers of eligible children will be contacted from this month (September) onwards. Consent forms and information about this year’s flu vaccine will be sent home to parents and carers of school children. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.

Pat Wynne, nurse director for primary and community care, who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme in Lothian, said: “The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up to date protection.”