HEALTH bosses insist residents will be able to book flu jabs in the coming months despite concerns over a national shortage.

The Department of Health and Social Care says vaccinations will be made available in phases throughout the autumn and claims there is capacity for 30 million people in England to have a jab.

It comes after the Times was contacted by Silver End resident Denise Cole who said she had been unable to book a vaccination anywhere in the area.

Denise, who is 53, said: “I’ve tried everywhere to get a flu jab. I have a lung condition so I get one every year.

“But this year, it’s even more important to get the jab because I am considered vulnerable if I catch the virus.

“I have tried a few Boots stores who have all said they aren’t taking anymore bookings.

“I can never book a jab at my doctors because it’s always too busy and there aren’t enough appointments.

“There are a few chemists who I have tried who have said they can’t do it because there is a shortage.

“But then I hear on the news there are millions of jabs waiting to be given out.

“It doesn’t make sense and makes me quite angry.

“We’re being told one thing by the Government and another by everyone else.”

Boots confirmed at the weekend that it was suspending bookings for flu vaccinations due to “unprecedented demand”.

The Government is currently recommending vulnerable people get a flu jab this winter due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to concerns about people booking a vaccination, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Delivery of flu vaccinations is phased over the autumn and into winter, and priority is rightly given to those who are most at-risk with others being asked to wait to later in the year.

“With Covid-19 still circulating, it is more important than ever to have the flu jab this winter and we have sufficient vaccine for up to 30 million people to be vaccinated in England.

“Flu vaccination deliveries for those who are in at-risk groups has started and will continue in all areas in England throughout the winter.”