LONDON - Suppliers are running out of flu jabs just days after people were warned about the dangers of catching a potentially deadly combination of the illness and coronavirus.

Boots, one of the largest providers of the jab privately, has suspended all bookings this morning due to ‘unprecedented demand.’ The pharmacist had said it was going to stop giving the vaccine to under 65s earlier in the week and has now gone a step further and closed off appointments entirely.

Anyone trying to book a jab is met with a message: ‘Unfortunately we have had to suspend bookings for the Winter Flu Jab Service. Due to unprecedented demand for flu vaccinations this year and stock availability we have had to suspend bookings.​​​​​​​

‘We are working hard to acquire additional stock of the flu vaccine so that we are able to make appointments available again.’ A chain spokesperson said it increased its order by 20% this year but that still wasn’t enough and bookings have been paused to ensure everyone who already has an appointment will get a jab.

There have also been reports of some GP surgeries and pharmacists struggling to keep up with demand. Speaking on Sky News this morning, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there had been ‘record amounts of demand’ but insisted the Government has got ‘more supplies’ than it ever has done before.(FA)