PARENTS and carers of youngsters in Barnsley are being urged to book their children in for a flu vaccine as the NHS ramps up its preparations for winter.

The NHS is sending invitations to the parents of two and three year olds, after the jab offer for pregnant women and schoolchildren kicked off earlier this month.

The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose without the need for an injection unless your child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “The flu vaccine is our best defence against these winter viruses, as well as helping to reduce pressure in hospitals over the winter period as demand increases.

“The flu virus puts thousands of people in hospital each year and vaccinations help us to keep more people well – so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them.”