Parents and carers of pre-school and primary aged children in Ayrshire are being encouraged to make sure their child gets the free flu vaccine this winter.

Given as a painless nasal spray, the vaccine not only helps protect children but can also help prevent them spreading the virus to more vulnerable family members and friends.

Invitation appointment letters for two to five-year-old pre-school children were posted from August and primary school aged children have received consent forms for in-school vaccination sessions taking place this autumn around Ayrshire.

If your child has missed their appointment or school clinic, or has been given an appointment that’s not suitable, they can attend a Childhood Vaccination Team drop-in session.

The locations and times are listed below...

Saturday November 11 - North Ayr Health Centre, 9:15am to 12:30pm

Friday November 24 - Ayrshire Central Hospital, 4pm to 6:30pm

Saturday November 25 - Kilbirnie Health Centre, 9:30pm to 3pm

                                          - North Ayr Health Centre, 9:15am to 12;30pm 

                                          - East Ayrshire Community Hospital, 8:30am to 1:30pm

​Sunday November 26 - Northwest Area Centre, 8:30am to 1:30pm

Saturday December 9 - Galleon Centre, 8:30am to 1:30pm

Sunday December 10 - Cumnock Town Hall, 8:30am to 1:30pm

Monday December 11 - Newmilns Clinic, 3:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday December 14 - Dalmellington Community Centre, 3:30pm to 7:30pm

These clinics can only accommodate pre-school children age two to five years and primary school aged children only after a vaccination session has been held in the relevant school.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Director of Public Health Lynne McNiven said: “Flu can be serious, even for otherwise healthy children.

"That’s why all two to five-year-olds and school aged children are being offered the flu vaccine this winter.

"The flu virus is always changing, so your child needs to get the vaccine every year to make sure they have the best protection.

“The vaccine is a quick, painless, nasal spray, and will just feel like a tickle in their nose.

"If your child has missed their appointment or you need to reschedule, you can head along to one of the drop-in sessions being run by our Childhood Vaccination Teams.”

For more information about the childhood flu vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu.