The NHS is urging parents across Suffolk to book their children in for a flu vaccine as national preparations for winter ramp up.

Over 140,000 parents and carers of two or three-year-olds across East Anglia are eligible to book their children in from Tuesday.

Children aged six months to 18 years who are in clinical risk groups, such as those with serious heart or breathing problems, are also being invited for a flu jab at their GP Practice.

Last year, during the peak of winter flu cases, data showed there were 2,478 patients in hospital in the East of England with flu each day - two-and-a-half times higher than the year previous.

A spokesman for the NHS said: "The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose - without the need for an injection.

"Unless your child is under 2 or cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative."

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “The flu vaccine is your best defence for you and your family against winter viruses.

"Booking your vaccinations helps the NHS to protect the lives of the most vulnerable and at-risk groups and to ease pressures across the NHS over the busy winter months.

“This year, for the first time ever, we are also offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself and those around you against bronchiolitis and serious lung infections potentially caused by RSV.

"While RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered by the NHS.”