The superflu outbreak sweeping Britain has seen a surge in chemist appointments as people flood to get a flu jabs before Christmas. Reports that stocks are running low in certain areas have been dismissed as scaremongering by the NHS however getting an appointment is proving less than straightforward with pharmacies being forced to turn people away in some places due to jam-packed diaries.
This comes as the NHS said it was “bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter” with three times as many Londoners being hospitalised compared to last year. Last week, there was a daily average of 259 in beds across the capital city due to the flu – a stark contrast to a daily average of 89 last year. Meanwhile, there were 16,500 ambulance handovers with a daily average of 2,363, another ‘significantly’ higher figure when compared to 2024 statistics.
The NHS has warned vulnerable people in the capital to get their flu jab as “a matter of urgency”, adding that with only a couple of weeks left before Christmas, “now is the time to act”.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, the chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, told the public not to panic despite a “big surge” in people looking for flu jabs.
She said while the sharp rise reported by independent chemists across the UK may spark concern among patients, it is important not to panic or delay.
“Community pharmacies have stock of both the adult and child flu vaccines,” she told The Telegraph.
“Anybody who hasn’t yet had their own flu vaccine should prioritise popping into their local pharmacy to get protected.”
Nick Thayer, the head of policy for the Company Chemists Association, a firm which represents the likes of Boots and Superdrug, also insisted there was no national shortage of flu vaccines.
The majority are handed out in October and November, so by December, certain pharmacies might be running low or have nothing left, he explained.
Despite this, he insisted there are many places you can seek vaccinations; however, people may need to “look around a bit” on NHS websites or visit a number of local pharmacies.
High street giants Boots say “a small number of appointments” in specific stores for private and NHS patients are still available.
Meanwhile, the NHS warned families it was ‘now or never’ to get the flu vaccinations in time for Christmas.
According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, flu cases are highest among those aged five to 14.
Those eligible for the flu vaccine include people aged over 65 as well as children.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, said: “Flu cases are skyrocketing so it’s now or never for older people and children to get themselves jabbed and protected ahead of any family get-togethers they have planned over the festive period.
“Every Christmas we see far too many older adults and children admitted to hospital because of flu, and the best way to avoid this situation is getting your flu jab if you are eligible.
“The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses, and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the Christmas break.
“So I would urge anyone eligible to add booking their flu jab to their list of things to do in the run up to Christmas so they can protect themselves and their families this December’.
Flu vaccines are being offered in supermarkets, community centres, at pop-up clinics and can also be booked online via NHS websites.
An NHS spokesman said: “There is no national shortage of the flu vaccine.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
