“EVERY death from swine flu is a tragedy and more so now we can prevent it with a safe vaccination.”

That is the message from a Southampton public health consultant who believes that simply taking your child to the GP for a matter of minutes will protect them against the killer virus.

Dr Graham Watkinson, from NHS Southampton City, has highlighted how unpredictable swine flu is and said the safest way to stop further tragic young deaths is to get the jab.

It comes after the Daily HAMPSHIRE: Doctor recommends jab to prevent more tragic deaths like toddler Andrew Vaccine could save children from swine flu Echo has launched the campaign Do It For Andrew to encourage all Hampshire parents to get their children vaccinated against the virus before March 31, when it will no longer be available to healthy children aged six months to five years.

Toddler Andrew McCall, from Lower Duncan Road, Park Gate, died in his cot on Christmas morning when he was just 23 months old.

His brave parents Sarah- Jane and Iain told the Daily Echo how he showed no symptoms when they put him to bed while staying with family near Bristol.

But when they went to wake him the next morning he was dead.

They hope their heartbreaking story will get other parents to give their child the vaccination.

Hampshire medics and health chiefs have applauded the efforts of the couple, both 35, and hope their plea will mean more people in the county are safe.

Dr Watkinson said: “Although for most people swine flu has been a mild disease, we need to remember that we cannot predict on an individual basis who will be severely affected.

The vaccination is the best way to stop the risk of possible complications from swine flu, reduce the spread of the virus and protect your child against future waves of infection.”

Sarah-Jane, a social worker, added: “This disease is preventable and there were no warning signs.

“The only thing that could have saved Andrew was having the vaccination.”

Memorial service

ANDREW’S parents will remember their “ray of sunshine” at a memorial service this afternoon.

Sarah-Jane and Iain will release a balloon to the backdrop of Eva Cassidy’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow in Andrew’s memory.

The service, organised by Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, takes place every year so parents can join together to remember their children who have died in the Bristol area.