Public Health England confirm there is not a shortage of flu vaccines after concerns of a possible nationwide shortage.

On Thursday (September 24) the health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain Boots suspended all bookings through its website for the winter flu jab due to 'unprecedented demand'.

Public Health England have now confirmed there is not an ‘overall shortage’ of flu jabs and that the most vulnerable will receive the vaccination before ‘healthy’ 50-64 year olds.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England: “There is no overall shortage of flu vaccine – enough has been ordered to vaccinate 30 million people. It is usual for manufacturers to stagger deliveries, so some GP practices and pharmacies may have to ask people to wait until they get re-stocked with vaccine.”

“If you are normally called for the vaccine each year, please check again in a week or two - there should be plenty of time for you to have the vaccine before the flu season starts - normally in December.”

“Once the most vulnerable have been protected, healthy 50-64 year olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season (from November and December)”

Who is eligible for the flu jab?

This year people across England who are eligible for the flu vaccine include:

  • Primary school children and Year 7 pupils will be offered the flu nasal spray in schools and two and three-year-olds will be offered the vaccine through their GP.
  • Those age 65 and over, people with long-term health conditions and pregnant women will be offered the vaccine through their GP or pharmacy.
  • Household contacts of people who were instructed to ‘shield’ during the first wave of the pandemic.
  • Health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.
  • Once the first at risk groups have been contacted, the vaccine programme will also be rolled out to include people over the age of 50.

How much does a flu jab cost if I do not qualify for a fee vaccination?

Asda

You can get a flu jab at any Asda with a pharmacy for £8.

Tesco

It will cost you £9 at Tesco but flu jabs are only available at certain Tesco stores.

Superdrug

Superdrug are offering a walk-in service for their flu jabs that will set you back £12.99.

LloydsPharmacy

You can book an appointment for online or just walk into your local store and the vaccine will cost a total of £12.99.