According to health experts, flu vaccine for schoolchildren are the most cost-effective measure to stop the spread of virus.

A joint committee on vaccination and immunisation said that the inclusion of all children from the age of five in the immunisation programme will significantly bring down the impact of the virus in the UK. Under current regulations, only children over six months who are facing high risk must receive immunization vaccines.

The committee has said that more evidence is required before the programme is extended to include all the children above the age of five years in the UK. The JCVI said that after a study by heath sector watchdog, the Health Protection Agency it was found that it is the most cost-effective measure to control the virus.

The committee recommends single dose of the Fluenz nasal spray vaccine for healthy children as part of their school-based immunisation programme. "However, further data is needed before the committee is able to make a recommendation to Government on vaccinating healthy children," it said in a statement.

A Department of Health spokeswoman has pointed out that the committee has not taken a decision on the matter and added that the recommendations will be considered at the committee’s June meeting.