The school holidays may only just be reaching their end, but preparations are already underway for winter as the local health board prepare for the school flu jab programme.

The team of 29 staff from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde immunisation team are set to visit the 33 primaries across West Dunbartonshire from the beginning of October as they prepare to challenge the spread of flu.

Schools will be sending out consent packs to parents and carers in the week beginning August 21, with completed forms due to be completed within a week.

The vaccine itself is delivered in the form of a nasal spray, and those who are unable to receive the spray through medical or religious reasons can receive it via an injection in the upper arm.

Emilia Crighton, deputy director of public health at NHSGGC, said: “It may seem very early to be thinking about flu during the summer holidays, however we want to immunise as many children – one of the most vulnerable groups - as possible.

“Vaccinating 85,000 primary across the whole NHSGGC area is a massive operation for our teams. However, it is hugely important as the vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which causes severe illness and deaths each year.

“If a primary pupil was immunised against flu last year it is important they get the vaccine again this year, as the virus changes every year. As a result, a different vaccine has to be made every year, meaning annual vaccination is necessary for children.

“I’d urge parents and carers to return the completed permission form as soon as possible. Flu needs to be taken seriously – it’s not the same as the common cold and the virus can have an immediate and severe effect.”