A record breaking of schoolchildren in Swindon have received their flu vaccines.

The Virgin Care team responsible for vaccinating children in Wiltshire, BaNES and Devon topped last year’s by nearly 20,000, with more than 127,000 getting their jab in just over 12 weeks – an increase of more than 18 per cent.

A total of 15,256 of pupils received their vaccine this year – up from 12,830 last year.

The team visited schools to immunise young people using a nasal spray, although they did provide a few injections for those not able to have the nasal spray for clinical reasons.

Virgin Care’s Professional Lead for School Age Immunisations Tiff Ferris said: “Covid doubled the time it normally takes as all the teams had to wear PPE (apron, mask and visor) and change between children.

“They also had smaller groups at a time and had to accommodate working with the bubbles in line with school risk assessments.

“The team has also had to travel more as colleagues have been unable to car share and school and bubble closures resulted in a number of revisits having to be scheduled.”