PARENTS are urged to take advantage of free NHS flu vaccination for children.

In Southend, fewer than 8,000 people out of 17,000 eligible for free treatment have taken it.

Those over 65, or with chronic conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, as well as pregnant women and children, are urged to avoid flu with vaccination this year, The NHS recommends a nasal spray as the best protection for children, with the only likely side-effect being a slight runny nose.

Last year it was introduced free on the NHS in England for two and three-year-olds and this year it was extended to four-year-olds. Children with long-term health conditions and aged between six months and two will continue to be offered the flu jab.

Sarah Newman, 37, from Westcliff, is mum to Isabelle, four, who had her nasal spray at the West Road Surgery.

She said: “Children have the same symptoms as adults and if it’s bad for a grown-up, I didn’t want Isabelle going through that. She also has asthma. She could end up seriously ill, or worse, if she didn’t have the spray.

“It only took a couple of minutes and now Isabelle is protected from children who haven’t had the vaccine, she isn’t spreading it to others and isn’t going to pass anything to her grandparents.’’ Particularly unpleasant for children, flu can cause a fever, sore throat, aching muscles, extreme tiredness and even complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Young children are more likely to spread flu as they tend to have greater contact with others may not cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing, or wash their hands enough.

Analysis shows vaccinating half of children aged between six months and four would prevent almost half a million cases of flu.