PARENTS are being urged to take up the offer of having their children vaccinated against flu to reduce the spread of the virus.

As part of this year’s flu vaccination campaign, the NHS is encouraging parents to sign the consent forms so their children can have the free inoculation.

By vaccinating them, not only does it protect them, it also helps to slow the spread of the virus within the community.

Hampshire GP Dr Tim Cooper said: “I want to encourage you to get your children vaccinated because the flu is a very common childhood illness and can be really unpleasant for them.

“Children who are two or three or eligible four-year-olds will be able to have their vaccine done at their GP surgery, while school aged children will be offered theirs in school.

“The vaccine is a nasal spray – a single spray up each nostril – it’s quick, it’s painless and it’s really easy.

“People think ‘it’s just flu’ but unfortunately it can lead to complications and even hospitalisation which is why it’s important to have the vaccination.”

Watch a video of Dr Tim Cooper explain the importance of having the flu vaccination below.

Letters are currently being sent to parents asking for consent to vaccinate their children.

Flu is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person and infects the respiratory system, where it can lead to pneumonia and other complications.

The flu viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.

The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.