A Stockton mother’s vaccine request after losing a child to the flu

A mum is urging parents to get their children vaccinated after one of her twins missed out on the flu on Christmas Day.

In December, 15-month-old Louie and Vinny Hughes were placed in an induced coma as they battled the illness. Vinnie is now on the road to recovery but his brother cannot be saved.

Their mother, Meg Hughes, hopes her story will encourage others to get their children vaccinated and is calling for flu jabs to be made compulsory.

“Never in my life did I think that the cause of death listed on my child’s death certificate would be the flu.”

The Stockton-on-Tees twins had “gone from strength to strength” since being born prematurely at just 26 weeks and two days’ gestation.

Ms Hughes said despite spending months in hospital since birth he had no major medical needs and was a thriving, happy baby until he got the flu.

“Louie smiled a lot, he was a bright boy who got through everything,” she said.

“He was the love of my life, but I don’t want to cry because none of my memories of him are sad.”

After contracting the flu, the twins’ health deteriorated rapidly and Louie’s heart stopped on Christmas Day.

Paramedics at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary did everything they could to save him and worked on him for 19 minutes before he died, Miss Hughes said.

“My arms feel so empty now,” she added.

“He was the youngest twin and he always needed me the most, he always wanted a hug.”

Speaking days after his death, the heartbroken mother wants to use her son’s memory to save others.

She would like to see legislation to make it mandatory for all children to be fully vaccinated before starting school, including the flu jab.

The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that less than half of school-age children across England have had the flu this winter.

Babies under six months of age are too young to be vaccinated, but expectant mothers can be vaccinated at any stage of their pregnancy.

“I would encourage everyone to vaccinate their child if possible and I would like to see it become mandatory, because it could save a life,” Ms Hughes said.

“Many people with children think the flu is just a cough and cold that can be treated at home, they don’t realize how serious it can be.

“I hope hearing Louie’s name will help others recover.”

A government spokesman said: “This is a heartbreaking story and our thoughts are with Meg and the rest of Louie’s family.

“We appreciate his calls for people to get the flu vaccine – it’s the best way to protect you and your loved ones.

“It’s very important that everyone gets their recommended vaccinations and that children two years of age and older are routinely offered the flu shot.”