THE SWINE flu vaccination programme in Derbyshire has been extended.
Children over six months and under five can now be protected against the virus.
Local GPs are sending invitations to parents who have until March 31 to book their child in for a vaccine.
Children under five are more likely than other groups to
be hospitalised if they become ill with swine flu.
More than seven million doses of vaccine have already been given to patients in other priority groups to protect those at greatest risk from swine flu.
Dr Bruce Laurence, Pandemic Flu lead for NHS Derbyshire County, said: "Swine flu has disappeared from the public spotlight recently, but there are still cases being reported, some quite serious, and it is likely that this strain of flu will return next winter.
"Our first priority was to ensure that people with clinical risk factors, and frontline health and social care staff, were vaccinated.
"Protecting those most at risk from the disease aimed to reduce the levels of serious illness, and deaths.
"That's why we are now offering the vaccine to young children.
"Vaccination remains a personal choice, but I urge everyone who is offered the vaccine to accept it and protect themselves. While the risks of serious complications from 'flu may be small, the impact on those affected can be devastating."
