NHS trying to boost flu nasal spray uptake in city

Children in schools across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are receiving the nasal vaccine

The NHS is trying to boost uptake of the flu vaccine nasal spray among city children after a drop in parents agreeing to the doses.

The spray, an alternative to injections, is being offered to all primary and secondary school children in Bristol and surrounding areas.

Last year just 50.6% of the city's population of four to 16-year-olds took up the vaccine, figures from the UK Health Security Agency found.

Dave Hall, a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Kingswood, said children receiving the vaccine "improves attendances".

Some parents in Bristol told the BBC they do not think young children should receive the vaccine, while another said they do not let their children attend school on the days when vaccinations are taking place.

School children are among the first groups of people to be offered the vaccine this winter, with other groups able to book vaccinations from October.

Sirona Care & Health is currently visiting every school in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to give children the nasal vaccine.

Dave Hall said children can miss a "big chunk of their education" from the flu

Alix Towson, school-aged immunisation lead at Sirona Care & Health, said: "It's the best protection we have from the flu virus.

"We would urge people to complete the consent forms that come home, and arrange for their children to have that vaccination to protect them and keep them healthy, but also protecting other members of the family."

Mr Hall said children are "much more keen" to have the nasal spray instead of an injection.

"Attendance figures are really important for the children to be here, and if they're missing out on a day or a week from the flu or illness then they're missing out on a big chunk of their education," he said.

The BBC spoke to eight year olds at the school about their experience with the nasal spray.

Harley said: "It feels quite tickly, quite weird. Quite quick."

Lily said: "It's just like water going up your nose."