Letters are being sent out to more than 2,000 parents and guardians in Telford by health chiefs offering them the opportunity to vaccinate their children against swine flu this month.

One-day vaccination clinics are running for children aged over six months and under five years, registered with surgeries in Oakengates, Dawley and the Charlton Medical Practice.

The swine flu mass immunisation programme, which started in October, has been extended to offer protection against the virus to almost 14,000 Telford youngsters under the age of five years.

And Dr Chris Weiner, public health consultant with NHS Telford and Wrekin, urged all parents to take up the offer. He said the immunisation of under-fives was a “very important part” of the swine flu programme.

“Children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable and more likely to be hospitalised if they become ill with swine flu,” Dr Weiner said.

“Protecting young children is our first priority and we are now in a position to offer children in this age group a swine flu vaccination.

“Extending the vaccination programme to young children is supported by a panel of experts that provide regular advice and safety assurance on vaccination issues.

“The panel is fully satisfied that the swine flu vaccine is safe and works.”

Vaccination clinics will be running on February 15, 16, 17 and 18 at Dawley Medical Practice, February 20 and 27 at Oakengates Medical Practice, and February 15, 17 and 19 at Charlton Medical Practice.

Parents who receive a letter are asked to call (01952) 580398 to confirm an appointment at one of the three clinics.

For more information on swine flu and public health advice visit www.telford.nhs.uk

By Wayne Beese