A campaign which encouraged thousands of borough children to have the flu vaccine last year is set to return.

The Flu Fighters campaign helped bring about a 3.2 per cent increase in the number of children in school who received their free nasal spray in 2019.

It saw a colourful storybook, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, distributed to thousands of pupils across the borough.

Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty told the story of three slimy alien invaders from the Planet Bogey who came to Earth "to spread disease and make Dudley's children cough, splutter and sneeze". Fortunately, their dastardly plans are thwarted by a watchful nurse who protects our young heroes by giving them the nasal spray and turning them into Flu Fighters.

Now, following the success of their first outing, the Flu Fighters are returning - and preparing for The Battle of Planet Bogey. It sees our brave heroes blast off from Earth to take the fight to the aliens on their home planet. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

“The impact of the Flu Fighters last year was incredible. It really helped us get the message across to young children, and helped achieve the best uptake of the flu vaccine among local children for many years.

“We are therefore delighted to be bringing the Flu Fighters back with an all new story for 2020, and we hope to see a further increase in the number of children receiving their free vaccine this autumn.

“Children are super spreaders of flu, so we urge parents to sign the consent form when it is sent to them through school and help protect everyone.”

Dr Ruth Edwards, GP and chair at Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group added:

“Flu can be particularly horrible for small children who can develop a very high fever or complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

“The vaccine can help protect your child and reduce the chance of flu spreading to friends and family, and the good news for children is that it is administered via a nasal spray.

“I would urge parents to please return their consent forms as soon as they receive them – if they haven't already – so that their children don't miss out on their free vaccine and are able to become Flu Fighters.”

This year, all children from Reception to Year 7, and all children in special schools, will be offered the free flu vaccination in school.

Free vaccinations are also available to children aged two and three, and children with some long-term health conditions, through their GP.

Free copies of Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey will be distributed to all infant, junior and primary school-aged children through schools this autumn by Vaccination UK, along with parental consent forms and information about the flu vaccine.

To find out more about the free nasal spray, and to read and download the first story - Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty - please visit lets-get.com.