SCHOOL nurses from Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust are preparing to offer the flu vaccine to 80,000 children, including pupils in reception and year 4 for the first time.

The programme covers all infant, junior and primary schools in Hampshire and children who are home educated. Parents will soon be receiving information packs through schools.

Children who attend pre-schools and are aged two, three and four will be offered the vaccine by their GPs.

Jane Levers, the trust’s professional head of school nursing, said: “The flu vaccine for children is given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril.

“The fact it’s needle-free is clearly a big advantage.

“The nasal spray has fewer side effects. It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.”

She added: “Flu can be very unpleasant for children and for adults. Children have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat lasting up to a week. Some can develop complications such as chest or ear infections.”

Kids and young people with long-term health conditions such as asthma and diabetes are more likely to have complications following flu. Parents are advised to speak to a GP or practice nurse for more information.