PARENTS and carers are being urged to help protect their children from flu this winter.

Children aged from two to four can get a free nasal spray vaccination from their GP. Meanwhile, pupils in reception and school years one to four will be offered the free nasal spray vaccination at school.

The NHS campaign is also encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated against flu as pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system, and so flu can cause serious complications for mother and her unborn baby.

St Helens mum Louise Fairburn, who is backing the campaign, is calling on other parents and carers to do the same and protect their children from flu.

Louise, from Eccleston Park, said: “I think it’s a great idea for young children to get vaccinated against flu and that it will be offered through a free nasal spray, rather than an injection”.

“I am also pregnant with twins and have protected myself and my unborn babies by having the vaccine and my three-year-old son Alex will be protected by having the nasal spray.

“I would definitely encourage other parents to get their children vaccinated as children can spread infections so easily. It’s free and is the best way to protect against flu.”

Sue Forster, St Helens Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Children are most likely to spread flu to others, so vaccinating them helps protect the wider community too.

“I would also urge everyone who is eligible for the vaccine such as those aged more than 65 and people with long term health conditions, who are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu, to get themselves protected.”

More information at nhs.uk/flu.