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Parents are being urged to get their toddlers vaccinated against flu at pharmacies ahead of winter. Some 4,000 NHS chemists have signed up to offer the vaccine - usually given to children as a nasal spray - to youngsters aged two and three for the first time.

Around 1.2 million toddlers will be eligible from next week, and could previously only get their dose by visiting a GP. England's chief nursing officer, Duncan Burton, said the change would make it as convenient as possible for children to boost their immunity. He added: "For busy families, it can be hard to fit everything in, but parents will now be able to pop into a pharmacy in their local high street or supermarket to get their little ones protected ahead of winter, when bugs tend to circulate.

"Flu can make young children and toddlers seriously unwell, and vaccination is the best way to shield them, so we're making it easier than ever before to get the vaccine closer to home.

"I urge all parents to bring their children forward. The vaccine is safe, effective, and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu.

"So please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or speak to your GP practice."

The flu season is expected to peak in December and January when more people gather indoors and viruses can spread easily.

Dr Suzanna McDonald, flu vaccination programme lead at the UK Health Security Agency, added: "Flu can be a very nasty illness for anyone and every year thousands of children do end up in hospital with flu.

"Nobody wants this for their child, so do what is best and ensure they get their flu vaccine on time to give them this important protection."

Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, welcomed the expansion of pharmacy services.

He said: "There is growing evidence that using pharmacies to deliver vaccinations helps to increase take up, particularly among patients that have historically not taken up the offer of vaccination.

"Pharmacies are quick and convenient to access for patients and the government should use them for more NHS vaccination campaigns, if they are to maximise take up and prevent more serious illness."

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: "With a network of pharmacies in key locations where people live, work and shop, this new service should make it easier for parents to get their children protected.

"Increasing vaccination rates will help keep flu at bay in our communities this winter."