Three quarters of young children in Luton not vaccinated in time for flu season, figures show

The latest figures show that only a quarter of primary school children had received the flu vaccine at the end of November.

That's despite PHE advising headteachers to make sure all their pupils are protected before the winter months.

Of 19,814 four to 10 year olds in Luton, 14,703 had not been given the vaccine, which is delivered in school as a nasal spray.

Across England, 47% of children were vaccinated, rising to 72% in some parts of the country.

Of the youngest children eligible, in Reception, 29% had been given the spray - slightly more than the 22% among the oldest, in Year 5.

The flu vaccine programme runs from the beginning of September to the end of January, with PHE reporting uptake rates throughout the winter.

By the end of the previous winter, 35% of four to 10 year olds in Luton were covered, suggesting uptake could increase slightly through December and January.

But with flu season starting in December it's still important to make sure children are vaccinated as early as possible, according to the NHS.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of flu at PHE, said: "Flu can be nasty for little children. Some develop a very high fever or complications of flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and may need hospital treatment.

"Children also tend to be super-spreaders of flu, so if they get it, they are likely to infect more vulnerable older family members.

"The best form of protection against flu is to get the vaccine if you are eligible, and to practise good respiratory and hand hygiene."

Dr David Elliman, immunisation expert at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said that uptake of the flu vaccine is always lower than other routine jabs.

He added: "But even with a modest uptake you see a reduction of flu in the general community. Any uptake is better than nothing."

Last winter was the worst flu season in a decade in England, causing 3,175 hospital admissions and 320 deaths.