A NASAL spray flu vaccine that works even better than needle jabs is being rolled out for children across south Essex.

The needle-free vaccine, Fluenz Tetra, is being offered to children aged between two and four years old, having previously been offered to two and three year-olds last year.

Parents of eligible children will be contacted by their GP about vaccinating their child before winter.

The announcement has been made by clinical commissioning groups across the region.

Tricia D’Orsi, chief nurse at NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG, said: “Flu can be very unpleasant for children. Some children develop a very high fever or complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and painful middle ear infection.

“They may need hospital treatment, and in serious cases, a child may die from flu.

“The vaccine is the best possible protection against the flu virus.

“Not only is the nasal spray needle-free, it also works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.

“It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.”

Stuart Norton, 34, of Hera Close, Southchurch, said children Cerys, eight, and Joseph, four, had already had the vaccination – and he approved.

He said: “It’s a fantastic idea.

Joseph’s had it at the local GP’s and Cerys has had it at school because Greenways is part of the pilot programme.

“It’s much less of a panic, there’s no stress. Cerys came home with a little booklet with no crying and it’s all been done.

“I don’t know why people couldn’t have done this a long time ago.”

Natasha Harmsworth-Blyth, 25, of Athena Close, Southchurch, said she preferred the traditional needle jab for two-year-old Isla-Rose and 14- month-old Ashton.

She said: “I think the injections are probably better because they’re not really aware of what’s going on, it just goes in their leg and that’s it, whereas trying to get anything up their noses is difficult anyway.

“I don’t want them to worry about blowing their noses either. I think it’s good for them to get used to injections for when they’re older.”

The vaccine has been used safely and effectively in America for ten years.