London parents urged to vaccinate children against flu

Public Health England has called on parents in London to get their children vaccinated against influenza if they are eligible.

Currently, rates of flu infection are increasing in the capital, with the ratio of reported influenza-like-illnesses standing at 23.2 per 100,000 members of the population – higher than the national average. In some London boroughs, the rate is even higher.

All children between the ages of two and four years are entitled to a free flu vaccine, but current vaccination rates for this age group in London are less than 30 percent, despite the fact that children can spread the disease particularly fast due to their regular contact with each other.

The vaccine is given to children as a nasal spray – a quick, easy and painless option that eliminates the need for needles.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director of Public Health England in London, said: "If we stop outbreaks of flu amongst children, we can protect the wider community including older people, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions, who may be harder hit by the effects of flu."

Earlier this month, the government re-launched its 'Catch It. Bin It. Kill It' campaign to raise awareness of the steps people can take to prevent the continued spread of influenza.