PUBLIC Health England is urging parents and guardians in Cornwall to take up the offer of free childhood flu vaccinations this year.

Parents will be asked to sign or electronically complete a consent form allowing their child to be vaccinated against flu.

The vaccine is being offered in schools from reception classes to Year 5 classes. It is given as a nasal spray.

Public Health England said that children are often called ‘super spreaders’ of germs because they frequently forget to wash their hands or cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough.

A spokesperson said: ‘By vaccinating children, we not only help protect children from a nasty illness – we also reduce their ability to spread germs, to protect siblings, parents, grandparents and other vulnerable people, and reduce the impact of flu on the rest of the wider community.

Dr Julie Yates, head of screening and immunisation at Public Health England South West said: ‘We know the flu vaccine is very effective in children. Last year it provided 90 per cent protection against one of the strains of flu.

‘Most parents are taking up the offer of a flu vaccine for their children. Last year, 63 per cent of school-aged children had the vaccine in the South West, but we can do better.

‘Flu is a really nasty bug and it is not like having a cold. It can have serious complications and can be life-threatening. At the very least, it can knock you off your feet for days. This means absence from school for children and time off work for parents.

‘It is important to be aware that your child will miss out on the flu vaccination if the school health team do not have consent before the session. Some schools across the South West are trialling electronic consent so please go online and complete this where it is happening.

‘In other areas,  a paper consent form or letter will be sent home, so please check those book bags and rucksacks for the letters and get the consent form signed and back to school in time for your child to be protected.’

The vaccine is also available for two- and three-year-olds from their GP.