Oldham Labour has issued a warning to parents to protect their youngsters from being admitted to hospital with the flu.

A local Labour councillor has said the number of under-fives being admitted to hospital with the flu has risen steadily since September but warns the flu is just one of the respiratory illnesses around this winter with RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, also on the rise.

RSV can cause bronchiolitis in infants, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Experts also believe another Covid wave could be on the way.

However, the flu vaccine can prevent these serious diseases, but take-up is slow.

The latest data from the UKHSA show just 30 per cent and 32 per cent of children in England aged two and three years old respectively have had their flu vaccination this season which is below those recorded for the same time last year.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for children aged two or three while children aged between six months and two years who have a long-term health condition, such as diabetes or a heart problem, can also be vaccinated by injection instead of the nasal spray.

Oldham Labour is now urging parents to contact their GP surgery to book an appointment to vaccinate their youngsters.

Councillor Leanne Munroe, Early Years lead for Oldham Council will raise her concerns at next month’s Council meeting.

She has asked cabinet members to inform her of the current rate of flu vaccination in Oldham for young and primary school-aged children and to "explain the steps we are taking to maximise the uptake in flu vaccinations."

The Cllr added: "Don’t let your child end up in hospital with flu.

"Experts are warning that we could see a triple whammy of flu, Covid and RSV this winter.

"These are all illnesses that affect the lungs, and flu can be prevented by a visit to the GP for a vaccination.

"Flu can be very serious, and a small number of under-fives have ended up in intensive care.

"Please get your under-fives vaccinated and remember that you can ask for an injection if the nasal spray is not suitable for your child."