PARENTS with children aged between two and four are being urged to get them protected against flu with a free vaccination before winter sets in.

Four-year-olds have been added to the group who can be vaccinated, with a safe and effective nasal spray.

Medics are hoping more parents will take up the offer this year, after 40 per cent of children in the qualifying age group were vaccinated last year.

A pilot scheme is also being run in Bradford, offering vaccinations to children in the school year seven and eight, or 11 to 13 year old, age bracket.

That is in addition to other groups seen to be at increased risks, including the old, pregnant women and those with some medical conditions.

Ralph Saunders, Head of Public Health for Bradford Council, said: "Having the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect your child; it helps stop the flu spreading to other people who may be even more vulnerable than you.

"It’s hard enough to look after a young child who is also ill let alone look after yourself if they’ve passed the flu on to you."