A mother is urging parents to get their children vaccinated after losing one of her twins to flu on Christmas Day.

In December, 15-month-old Louie and Winnie Hughes were put into a coma as they struggled to survive the disease. Vinnie is now on the road to recovery but his brother could not be saved.

His mother Meg Hughes hopes his story will encourage others to vaccinate their children and is calling for the flu jab to be made mandatory.

“I never thought in my life that the cause of death recorded on my child’s death certificate would be flu,” she said.

Twins from Stockton-on-Tees have gone “from strength to strength” after being born prematurely at just 26 weeks and two days pregnant.

Despite being in hospital for several months after birth, they had no major medical needs and were healthy, happy babies until they were hit with the flu, Ms Hughes said.

“Louis smiled a lot, he was a talented boy who was successful at everything,” she said.

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

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

Ms Hughes said doctors at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary tried everything they could to save him and worked on him for 19 minutes before he died.

“My arms feel very empty now,” he said.

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

Days after his death, the grieving mother wants to use her son’s memory to save others.

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

The latest data from the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) shows that less than half of school-aged children across England have received a flu vaccine this winter.

Infants under six months of age are too young to get the vaccine, but expectant mothers can get it at any stage of their pregnancy.

“I would encourage everyone to vaccinate their child if possible and I would like to make it mandatory because it can 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 heal.”

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

“We appreciate their call for people to get a flu vaccination – it is the best way to protect you and your loved ones.

“It is extremely important that everyone gets the recommended vaccinations and that children aged two and over are given a regular flu jab.”