PHARMACISTS across Dorset are warning seasonal flu jabs are unavailable amid 'unprecedented demand' for the vaccines.

With health chiefs warning of the dangers of contracting Covid-19 as well as flu, pharmacists across the county are reportedly struggling to get their hands on the vaccine.

Problems with cancelled appointments have been reported at Asda and Tesco – and pharmacy chain Boots has confirmed all flu jab bookings through its website have been suspended.

Gabriella Postelnicu, a pharmacist at Asda pharmacy in Weymouth, said: "At the moment we have not got any of the flu vaccines, we are completely out of stock.

"We were aware at the beginning of the month that there we were going to be unable to get any so We did not book anyone in to get the jab.

"We are expecting to get the vaccine back in stock by October 5 so we have started booking people in from then.

"We are going to be very busy as we have a lot of bookings right from October 5 until the end of November. We do still have some availability though and I would encourage anyone who is eligible for the vaccine to make an appointment."

Meanwhile, health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain Boots has suspended all bookings through its website for the winter flu jab due to ‘unprecedented demand’.

A message to customers on the Boots booking site stated: “Due to unprecedented demand for flu vaccinations this year and stock availability we have had to suspend bookings.”

It has also been reported that Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy have also encountered issues.

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.

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

Flu usually kills around 11,000 a year and many more are hospitalised.