Children and pregnant women are the first in line for the annual flu vaccination programme which is now underway in the South West.

They are the focus for the first phase of the vaccination programme this month, with older people, clinically at risk adults, care home residents and frontline workers set to start receiving their jabs from October.

As flu season usually peaks in December and January, starting adult vaccinations from October aims to ensure those most at risk are protected by the winter months.

Children aged two or three will be vaccinated at flu clinics run by their GP, with parents invited to make an appointment.

Parents of school-aged children will be contacted by their school-aged immunisation service to complete a consent form and receive their vaccine at school or a community clinic.

The NHS strongly encourages parents to fill out their consent forms to enable their child to get protected.

Janine Riley's son, Henry, had to be rushed to hospital for life saving treatment when he got the flu, aged nine.

Ms Riley is now encouraging other parents to make sure their children are vaccinated.

She said: “Having experienced a child almost die from flu, nothing is as scary as that, and you’re absolutely doing the best to protect your child by giving them the vaccine.”

Children will be offered the nasal vaccine, as it is the most effective option for their age group and is also easier to administer than a jab.

Parents are advised to speak to their GP or practice nurse if this is not suitable for their children.

Pregnant women can have the jab at any point in their pregnancy through their GP or at their hospital maternity appointments.

People are also encouraged to speak to their GP or pharmacy about options to have both their flu and Covid-19 vaccines during the same appointment.

Dr Kheelna Bavalia, South West medical director, said: "The flu and Covid-19 vaccines are our best defences against these viruses and can be lifesaving - so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them.

“These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure - so please come forward as soon as you are invited.”