Despite changes to GP practices across Dorset due to Covid-19, parents are being urged to make sure their children receive their immunisations as normal and get protected against flu.

As winter approaches, Dorset HealthCare says the vaccine will not only protect the child, but also help stop them passing on harmful viruses to other members of the family and wider community.

During the coming months, the flu vaccine will be available free on the NHS to eligible children, including those aged two or three on August 31, 2020, all primary school children, all year seven children and children aged two to 17 with long-term health conditions. Children who are four-years-old are also eligible for flu vaccination provided they were three on August 31, 2020.

The vaccination will be offered by a GP or the child's school.

Dorset HealthCare's School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) provide all immunisations to school age children across the county, including those home-educated and in special education schools.

Dawn Campbell, Dorset Healthcare's service manager for the SAIS, said: "Being immunised against infectious diseases is a very important part of maintaining health, not just for children but also for the entire population. It's really important that children get vaccinated against flu as the vaccine is the best way to get protected against the virus. And this year it's more important than ever with Covid-19 in circulation.

"Parents, carers and guardians must give consent online for their child to be vaccinated and they will soon receive a letter through their child's school with further details."

Dr Karen Kirkham is a local GP and assistant clinical chairman with NHS Dorset CCG. She said: "We recognise that some parents may be feeling anxious about taking their children for appointments, but I would like to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to provide a safe environment where vaccinations can be given.

"Despite everything else happening it is important that when parents receive an invitation from their GP that they attend the appointment and that their children's immunisations are kept up to date."

To find out more, visit the Dorset HealthCare website