A critical shortage of bookable flu jab appointments is sweeping across England, as soaring demand from the public collides with limited vaccine stocks at major pharmacy chains. The situation is leaving many eligible patients, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions, struggling to secure vital protection.
Record Demand Meets Dwindling Supplies
The NHS has issued urgent pleas for people to get vaccinated, as hospitals in England are treating record numbers of seriously ill flu patients. This surge, described by some as a 'flu-nami', is being driven by a new strain of the virus. Hans Henri Kluge of the World Health Organization confirmed this new variant now accounts for up to 90% of all confirmed flu cases in the European region.
Despite the clear need, an investigation by the Guardian found that branches of major chains like Boots, Superdrug, and Tesco in city centres including London, Manchester, and Birmingham have almost no bookable slots left. The problem is most acute for pregnant women and under-65s with underlying health conditions. Boots has halted online NHS bookings for under-65s, while Tesco warns appointments are "now very limited."
Low Uptake in Key Groups Amid Early Season
Compounding the supply issue is worryingly low vaccination uptake in some eligible groups. Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show only 35.6% of pregnant women and 37.4% of under-65s with long-term conditions have been vaccinated, compared to 71.7% of over-65s.
The UK flu season began four to five weeks earlier than usual, dominated by a mutated H3N2 strain. While this sparked fears of a severe surge, recent data suggests it may simply be an early peak, potentially due to waning community immunity. Experts note the current vaccine still offers relatively good protection.
Dr Andrew Hill, a pharmaceutical expert at Liverpool University, criticised the situation: "It is beyond belief that flu vaccines are unavailable while cases and hospitalisations are rising so quickly... This would help to lower hospitalisations at a time of intense pressure for the NHS."
Pharmacies Scramble for Stock as Guidance Issued
Flu vaccines are typically ordered a year in advance, with peak demand expected by November. However, sustained high demand throughout December has rapidly depleted supplies. The situation in London is so severe that NHS England's immunisation team has alerted community pharmacies, urging them to order vaccines directly from manufacturers, who have confirmed stock is available.
Representatives for smaller and independent pharmacies offered a slightly more positive picture. Janet Morrison of Community Pharmacy England said while some are struggling, issues are location-dependent. Dr Leyla Hannbeck of the Independent Pharmacies Association and Olivier Picard of the National Pharmacy Association both stated that most independents report good availability and can source vaccines directly.
For the public, the advice is to be persistent and flexible. Some stores are offering walk-in services subject to availability, and patients may need to contact multiple providers or consider independent pharmacies. The NHS emphasises that it is essential vaccination continues for eligible patients throughout the winter to alleviate pressure on health services.
