All children from Reception to Year 11, including those who are home educated, are eligible for the vaccination again this year. For the majority of children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

Vaccinations will be given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK in schools, with primary, secondary and special school pupils being vaccinated throughout the autumn term. Catch up clinics will also be available at various locations around Wolverhampton and the Black Country.

Schools are providing information about the vaccine to families of eligible children, and parents and carers are encouraged to give consent as soon as possible to ensure their child doesn't miss out.

A link to the online consent form will be sent directly to parents and carers by text message or email. Anyone who has any questions, or would prefer to give consent over the phone, can contact Vaccination UK on 01902 200077 or email wolverhampton@v-uk.co.uk.

Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the flu vaccine, either at their GP or from some participating pharmacies.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Flu can be deadly and is easily spread by children and adults.

“Having the free flu vaccine helps protect your child and can also reduce the spread of flu to babies, grandparents and other vulnerable family members.

"The vaccination is quick and safe and it's also needle free for most children because, unlike the adult vaccine, it can be given via a quick squirt up the nose. An injectable vaccination is available for children who cannot have the nasal spray for medical reasons, or who require a pork gelatine free alternative.

"I would urge parents and carers to complete their consent form as soon as possible, so their children can get their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter this autumn.”

She added: “It’s important for children to get vaccinated in the autumn so they will have the best protection when flu season begins in winter. The vaccination takes a couple of weeks to offer full protection, so please give your consent in a timely manner.”

To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Bugbusters.