MORE than 3,000 children in Warrington aged five to seven were vaccinated against flu this winter.

A total of 3,068 youngsters in year one and two at Warrington schools received the jab, accounting for 59 per cent of the children, while every school in the town now has a designated school nurse to provide health assessments and confidential advice.

Lisa Williams, 0-9 clinical public health nurse specialist for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our school nurses and administrative staff have shown a high amount of dedication and hard work over the past few months to keep our local school children free from flu.

“By vaccinating children it not only helps prevent them from catching the virus but it also prevents them from transmitting flu to any relatives who could develop serious complications as a result of flu.

“This includes anyone who is pregnant, under two years old, elderly or has a long-term condition.”