Parents have been urged to give consent for flu vaccinations as children return to primary school.

The NHS and local council in Bradford district and Craven have sent letters to parents and guardians of children aged five to 11 years old to consent to their child having the flu vaccination.

The NHS gives all school children in the UK vaccinations to protect them from harmful infectious diseases.

The flu vaccine is safe, effective, free and involves a quick and simple nose spray.

The letter from the School Immunisations Team will inform parents about flu and the flu vaccination, as well as how to request if they want their child vaccinated.

Giving children the flu spray will stop the spread of flu and will help keep friends and family safe, the NHS said.

It can protect against what can be can be a very nasty illness for children, older people and high-risk people with illnesses.

Flu viruses can change over time, so even if children had their jab last year, it is important to get it again this year.

Yvonne Osborn, school vaccination and immunisation lead at Bradford District Care Trust, said: “It’s really important that parents complete the electronic consent form to protect their child from infectious diseases like flu.

"Flu can be really harmful, especially for older family members and those with other illnesses. Giving your child the flu vaccine will stop the spread of flu and keep your friends and family safe.

“The flu vaccine is administered as a quick and easy nose spray. It’s also available as an injectable vaccine that does not contain pork gelatine (otherwise known as porcine gelatine).

"If you have any questions, you can contact the School Immunisations Team on 01274 221269 who will be happy to help."

People can confirm if they want or don't want their child to get a flu vaccination by visiting www.bradfordschoolimmunisations.co.uk/forms/flu

You will need the code for your child's school to complete the form.

Children aged five to 11 years-old that are home schooled can go to a clinic at Horton Park Health centre and Undercliffe Health Centre from 3pm various days throughout the week.

Clinic sessions will also be held at Keighley Health Centre and offer Saturday clinics. Contact the immunisation team on 01274 221269 for more information, or to arrange an appointment.