FOR THE first time ever, all primary schoolchildren in Dorset will be offered the flu vaccine, as the NHS gears up for its winter season.

The move is part of a raft of measures to safeguard the health of vulnerable people and to help ease the annual winter pressures on the NHS from admissions caused by the respiratory disease.

The vaccine will be offered to all children who were aged two to ten but not 11 or older, on August 31 2019.

Pregnant women, all those aged six months to 65 in clinical risk groups, those in long-stay residential homes, the over 65s, close contacts of people with compromised immune systems (such as people living with those undergoing chemotherapy), and carers will all be offered protection against flu, which can cause death in the most extreme cases.

The NHS is also strongly recommending vaccination for frontline health and social care workers and says this should be provided by their employer as part of the organisation’s policy for the prevention of the transmission of flu.

Last year Poole Hospital was in the top ten nationally of hospitals for flu vaccination uptake by frontline healthcare workers last winter.

Almost 90 per cent of the trust’s frontline staff - who deal directly with patients - had the vaccination and Poole was the only acute hospital from the south of England to make the top ten.

A total of 88.7 per cent of staff had their jabs, exceeding last year’s 86.4 per cent and the hospital will be hoping to beat that this year.

Another change for the 2019/2020 season is the type of vaccine offered. Dorset patients will be offered different vaccines according to their health group consistent with national guidance. "Provided a patient is offered a recommended vaccine for their age, providers

are not expected to have to offer a choice between vaccines," said an NHS spokesman.

Health and Social care workers will be the focus of a big push towards vaccination as keeping them healthy helps ensure those they look after don't get flu.

A spokesman for Public Health England said: "The annual flu vaccination programme saves

thousands of lives every year, and reduces GP consultations, hospital admissions and pressure on A&E."