BANKIE parents are being urged to vaccinate their tots against the flu virus.

Figures revealed more than two-fifths of Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s eligible two to five-year-olds are ready to fight flu, having already received their nasal vaccination.

However the deputy chief medical officer for Scotland has encouraged all parents to consider making an appointment with their GP practice to get their youngsters vaccinated, highlighting that the risk of hospitalisation is reduced in those children that receive the vaccine.

Latest uptake figures for the area also revealed that three-fifths of those aged 65 or over just two over fifths of pregnant women and over a third of those in at-risk groups have been vaccinated against flu since the immunisation programme got under way in October 2016.

Dr Gregor Smith, deputy chief medical officer for Scotland, said: “Recent Figures highlight that there are thousands of those eligible yet to take up the vaccine offer.

“Flu is very infectious and can cause serious complications for those who are most vulnerable, which is why it’s so important to consider getting vaccinated.

“The nasal vaccine for children only takes a few minutes, can protect for up to a year and reduces the chance of the infectious virus being spread to those who are vulnerable.”