Parents across Leicestershire are being urged to get their children vaccinated ahead of flu season.  

The local NHS school immunisation service is from this week visiting every primary, secondary and special school in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with the aim of giving a flu vaccine to every child who wants one. 

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), which is responsible for overseeing community healthcare, is calling on parents to give their consent for the vaccine. 

Flu is "highly contagious, unpleasant and very common during the winter months" and in the most severe cases can lead to hospitalisation, the trust has said. 

Parents will be given the option of two forms of protection for their child: a nasal spray and a jab. These are "safe and effective" vaccines which will help keep them safe from the even the latest strain of the virus, LPT said. 

A trust spokeswoman said: "Flu is highly contagious, unpleasant and very common during the winter months. It can cause a high temperature, body aches, sore throats, a cough, runny nose and exhaustion.  

"Children and young people can be badly impacted by flu. It can mean they need to take time off school, result in them getting more serious problems – like ear infections and bronchitis – and can sometimes even lead to hospitalisation. 

"The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to help keep children protected against the flu virus. It also helps them to stop passing it on to vulnerable family members or friends." 

The nasal spray is given as a quick and painless squirt up each nostril and is considered to give the best protection, LPT said. However, the injectable vaccine is also an option where the nasal spray is not suitable for the child. It is also free from porcine (pork) gelatine. Parents will be sent an NHS text message and email asking for their consent. 

The spokeswoman added: "The vaccine is very quick and most children will not get any side effects – and if they do, they will usually be mild and last only a few days. Our team are very friendly and experienced. They will do everything they can to make sure children feel comfortable and supported while they have the vaccine. 

"We encourage all parents and carers to go through the information they are sent about the vaccine with their child, so everyone knows what's on offer, what to expect and can make an informed choice together. Even if you don't want your child to be vaccinated, please still complete the consent form so we can be sure of your consent decision." 

Flu spreads through coughs, sneezes and ingestion after touching a contaminated surface, so good hand hygiene, with regular washing, is very important throughout the winter period.