STIRLING parents have been urged to get their kids vaccinated against the flu as schools prepare to release consent forms next week.

Health experts have highlighted the benefits of getting kids vaccinated early to prevent the virus from spreading.

Dr Gregor Smith, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said: “Incidences of flu in Scotland rose last winter, which is why we’re advising people to get ready to fight flu ahead of winter hitting.

“Flu can be serious, and can result in even healthy children being hospitalised. The vaccine remains the best way to protect your child against flu and its complications.

“Primary school children cannot receive their flu vaccination if a signed consent form isn’t returned, so I’d encourage parents to look out for it."

Consent forms will be arriving home in schoolbags next week as the autumn term gets underway - and parents are required to return the signed form within seven days.

The safe and effective nasal vaccine is the best way to help protect children from flu - it only takes a few minutes and provides protection for around a year.

To date, more than 1.6 million doses of the nasal vaccine have been given to 2-11 year olds in Scotland.

The vaccine will be offered to 400,000 primary aged children this year as part of the Scottish childhood immunisation programme.