Further catch-up clinics are being held for children who have missed their free flu vaccination in school, with another this weekend.

This year, all children from Reception to Year 9 are eligible for a vaccination, which is safe, effective and delivered via a nasal spray, not a needle.

Vaccinations are given by nurses from Vaccination UK in school. Consent forms should be completed at least 48 hours before vaccinations are due to be given in school.

Pupils who have missed their vaccination in school are able to get it at one of a series of catch-up clinics that are taking place. Appointments should be booked in advance. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and, if consent hasn't already been given, it can be provided at the clinic.

The catch-up clinics are for pupils from schools which have already been visited by nurses from Vaccination UK this autumn – youngsters at schools which are still to be visited should wait to receive theirs in school as planned. 

Children aged two and three, and children with some long-term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. The vaccination is available by injection if parents do not wish their child to have the nasal spray, or if children are unable to have it for medical reasons, for instance if they have a supressed immune system or severe egg allergy.