Pharmacies have reported a surge in flu jab demand amid rising cases with some even running out of stock due to a new strain of the disease this winter.

Flu hospitalisations increased by more than 50 per cent last week in England, official figures show, with NHS bosses warning they are facing a “worst case scenario” this Christmas.

The number of flu patients admitted to hospital has also surged across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, adding pressure to A&E and ambulance services, while pharmacies across the country reported a shortage of vaccines.

A poll shared with The i Paper by the National Pharmacy Association, which represents 6,000 independent pharmacies across the UK, showed that 95 per cent of its members reported an increase in demand for NHS flu jabs this week.

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