Public Health England is urging parents whose children have not yet been vaccinated against flu to do so before the winter flu season begins.

For the first time children in year four (aged eight and nine) will be added to the school vaccination programme.

The vaccination programme already covers children in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 (aged between four and eight) but now children in year four will also be able to get their free vaccination, in the form of a nasal spray, at school.

The added school year means an extra 170,000 children can benefit from protection against the flu virus this coming winter.

Last year in the South West, an estimated 50% of children aged between two and eight missed out on getting the vaccine.

To get your vaccine or find out if you are eligible, contact your GP, pharmacist or midwife for more information.