Parents and carers of two and three year-olds in Bolton are being urged to book their children in for a flu vaccine.

The NHS in the North West has started sending out invitations to parents this week to have their child immunised, after the vaccine offer for pregnant women and school children kicked off earlier this month.

The flu vaccine is usually given to children aged two and three as a quick and painless spray up the nose - without the need for an injection - unless the child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting vaccinations in autumn is designed to ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

READ MORE: Bolton GP on importance of Covid and flu injections

Covid and flu vaccines start to roll out across England

New Covid XEC variant spreading - symptoms to look out for

Last year, during the peak of winter flu cases, data showed there were 2,478 patients in hospital with flu each day in England - 2.5 times higher than compared to the year previous.

Tricia Spedding, Regional Head of Public Health for NHS England North West, said: "Flu can make young children seriously ill during the winter months but the flu vaccine will offer your child the best protection from catching and spreading the virus.

“Vaccines are our best defence from winter illnesses and will help reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

“If your child is eligible, please contact their GP practice to book their vaccine as soon as possible.”