The NHS has been urged to extend the free flu jab to teachers and other school staff to protect them from the virus which is sweeping through classrooms.

Rates of “super flu” are currently highest among primary and younger secondary pupils , and many schools have been forced to close due to high levels of staff absence.

Ministers have been urged to offer the vaccine free to teaching and support staff in England so they can keep schools open, with the Liberal Democrats stressing this is the “right thing for them and for their pupils”.

Data released this week showed that positive flu tests were highest among children aged five to 14. But less than a third of all pupils have had their flu vaccines – despite it being offered for free inside schools by the NHS. New Feature

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