BRADFORD Council and Bradford Council for Mosques have joined forces to urge parents to make sure their child gets the flu vaccination this year to protect their children and other family members.

After years of campaigning, the NHS is now offering the injectable flu vaccine, free from porcine content, for parents who are concerned about this ingredient.

The flu season has started and it has been predicted that this year’s flu season could be larger than is typically seen in the UK.

Influenza (flu) is a serious and highly infectious disease caused by a virus. In some cases, it can cause severe complications and it kills thousands of people each year.

Parents of two and three-year-olds should contact their GP for an appointment, as can those with children in Year 12 and 13 with long term health conditions.

School children up to Year 11 will get their vaccination in school if parents return their consent forms.

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health “I would encourage all parents to make sure their children get their flu vaccination. Flu is a serious infection that can make your child very ill and nobody wants to see their children suffer unnecessarily.

“It is important that you make sure you have returned consent forms to school to make sure your child gets the protection they need. This is especially important for you if they have an existing health problem because they are more likely to experience complications if they get flu.”

Zulfi Karim, President of Bradford’s Council for Mosques, added: “Ever since child flu vaccinations were introduced, we have been campaigning for the injectable vaccine to be offered alongside the nasal flu spray.

“We are aware that a significant number of people in the community were concerned about the nasal spray but still wanted their children to be vaccinated.

“I am delighted parents are now being given that choice and that our voice has finally been heard – and it is now up to parents to make sure they protect their children by getting them vaccinated. A huge thanks to all those that supported the campaign.”