FAIRIES and footballers have been drafted in to spread the word about flu vaccinations to children.

Doctors in Bolton are trying to explain to the public how important it is to get your child vaccinated and that children do not need to have a jab.

Children’s flu vaccine is administered by a quick nose spray.

Flo the Flu Fairy is telling children: “Shoo the flu away with a simple spray.”

On Tuesday in Victoria Square the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust team will be out with the local health team raising awareness about vaccinating children.

Parents of two and three-year-olds will receive a letter inviting them to see their doctor for the nasal spray and school-age children up to Year 5 will receive the spray as part of a school health programme as long as their parents have given permission.

The important vaccine is free of charge to children aged two to nine.

Chair of Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Wirin Bhatiani, said: “It’s just a quick spray in one nostril and your child is protected, plus they will also help to protect other, more vulnerable, members of the family. We’ve created Flo the Flu Fairy as a fun character that we hope will appeal to families with young children who may not be aware of the nasal spray or the consequences of the flu virus."