More teenagers getting flu vaccination is 'vital'

Dr Matthew Dominey, the immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: "Flu can be a serious illness for children and can lead to complications which may require a hospital admission. "The vaccine is usually given at school, so we urge parents and carers to return their consent forms promptly to ensure their child can get protected ahead of winter." Immunisation teams would be moving from school to school in the South West up to around early December and younger children, aged two and three could have a receive a flu vaccine from their GP surgery, health bosses said. Across the UK, the vaccine is estimated to have prevented 52% of children from having to visit their GP and 68% from being hospitalised, the UKHSA said. Follow BBC Cornwall on X , external , Facebook , external and Instagram , external . Follow BBC Devon on X , external , Facebook , external and Instagram , external . Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk , external .