GIVING consent for school age children to receive vaccinations will soon become a paperless process.

Schools across Dorset will be sending information home with pupils about the new digital process, which will allow parents to provide consent on any device, including smartphones.

The new and improved system will also send reminder emails and inform parents once a child has been vaccinated.

For residents without internet access, a service will be available to complete the consent form over the telephone.

If a child is home educated, a letter or email will be sent to the person who has parental responsibility to complete the online consent process and book an immunisation appointment at a local community venue.

Angela Cosser, immunisation clinical lead at Dorset Healthcare, said: “We work with schools to provide immunisations, such as the flu, tetanus and polio, to local children on behalf of NHS England.

“Our aim is to provide a fully accessible service to all school age children whether educated at school or at home, offering them in a timely manner and a convenient location.”

Visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/schoolageimms