BOOTS is ‘nearing the end of its flu vaccine stock’ due to experiencing the ‘highest ever demand’ for its winter flu jab service.

The pharmaceutical store has said it will be closing bookings for flu vaccines for the over-65s because the NHS recommends a particular type of vaccine for this age group.

However, Boots has confirmed it will be using all remaining stock to fulfill appointments that have been pre-booked to date.

There is reportedly no such supply issue for the under-65 flu jab and vaccinations are able to go ahead as planned.

However, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents looking to visit the Boots on Commercial Road in the town centre should look elsewhere for a flu jab appointment as they have ‘limited short-term’ availability for new bookings.

READ MORE: Demand for Covid-19 booster jabs 'extremely high' in Dorset

READ MORE: Covid-19 booster jab: Everything you need to know

A spokesperson from Boots said: “We are experiencing the highest ever demand for our Winter Flu Jab Service this year across the UK and have already administered almost double the number of flu vaccines than we did by the same time last year.

“The NHS recommends that patients aged 65 and above receive a specific type of flu vaccine. Due to extremely high demand, we are nearing the end of our stock of this particular vaccine and are therefore closing bookings for this age group.

“Our remaining stock of this vaccine will be used to fulfil existing appointments.

“For patients under 65, we still have plenty of appointments available across our pharmacy network and we offer these both for free on behalf of the NHS and privately. We still have plenty of stock available and we do not have any supply issues.

“In the case of our Bournemouth Commercial Road store, diaries are currently very full with pre-booked appointments, meaning there can be limited short term availability for new bookings. We advise patients to check availability at other Boots stores nearby if they do not want to wait for a flu vaccination appointment at their preferred location.

“These stores include Castlepoint, Christchurch, Bournemouth Westbourne and Bournemouth Southbourne Grove which all have plenty of availability.”

If you have had issues booking your flu vaccine please email nicole.baddeley@newsquest.co.uk.