Protection against the flu virus is being made available to all high school age children in a drive to ease the burden on health services over winter.

For the first time, children aged 11 to 16 are being offered immunisation by the school nursing team.

Parents are being asked to complete a consent form by Friday, September 17, and the programme will be rolled out during the autumn term.

In a letter to parents sent out ahead of children going back to school this week, the school nursing team says: ’With Covid-19 in circulation it is more important than ever to reduce the numbers of those becoming ill this winter.’

The double threat of flu and Covid-19 circulating at the same time could overburden the healthcare system. Last year, because of pandemic restrictions, fewer people caught the flu.

The letter to parents states: ’Vaccinating your child will also help protect other vulnerable family members and friends by preventing the spread of the flu virus.’

The vaccine will be administered as 0.1mls of liquid into each nostril, so there are no needles. It’s described as a safe method of delivery for most children.

Vaccination against flu was offered to primary school age children in 2020.

More than half of all 16- and 17-year-olds have now received at least one vaccination against Covid-19 and a further clinic for this age group is being held on Saturday, September 11, at the Chester Street hub in Douglas.

Those wanting to attend must be registered with 111 and given an appointment time. Those who turn up without a scheduled appointment won’t be vaccinated. The clinic is offering the Pfizer vaccine.