Back-to-school flu surge expected

Experts are warning there could be a surge in flu cases as people return to work and school following the Christmas holidays.

Parents are being urged to remain vigilant over the threat of flu, but High Street pharmacies have been refusing to vaccinate under-18s.

Anxious parents seeking to buy the jab to protect their children have been turned away empty handed.

Children who are otherwise healthy do not qualify for a free NHS flu jab.

But the Department of Health says there is nothing to prevent pharmacies offering the vaccine to children on a private patient basis.

However, some pharmacies say they are unable to vaccinate children because it would breach company policy or regulatory rules.

Flu expert at St Barts and the Royal London Hospital

Boots, Superdrug, Tesco and Lloyds pharmacy said they were unable to offer the jab to children.

A spokeswoman for Lloyds pharmacy said this was something they were looking to potentially change.

"We understand that there is frustration from parents who want to vaccinate their children this winter and we will look to review this to consider if in future flu seasons we can offer flu vaccinations to younger patients."