Call to parents on flu vaccine forms

All primary youngsters in the region are again being offered the nasal spray as part of a nationwide immunisation programme.
Last year 79 per cent of children locally were vaccinated against flu and even more are expected to be vaccinated this year.
And NHS bosses are encouraging parents to return the consent form, which is being sent home in school bags, within seven days as no child can be vaccinated without it.
Regional immunisation co-ordinator Nigel Calvert said: “The vaccination programme will be rolled out in schools across Dumfries and Galloway this autumn and only children who have been given consent to be vaccinated will receive the vaccination.
“Flu can lead to serious health problems in children, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and middle ear infections. The flu vaccine is the best way to safeguard children and I urge parents to ensure that their child is covered from flu this winter.”