Residents are encouraged to contact their GPs to book a flu jab before the weather turns.

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across Essex have been suffering from shortages in the past few months, and in some cases residents had appointments to get their jabs cancelled on more than one occasion.

Simon Evans, locality director for NHS England Midlands and East said more vaccinations are expected to be coming into GP practices across Essex this month.

He said: “Getting vaccinated is really important for staying healthy over winter and we would encourage people in the eligible groups to get protected.

"This is people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, young children, and people with long term health conditions.

“We want to reassure the public that there will be enough vaccines for everyone who needs one in these groups.

"GPs and pharmacists are receiving deliveries of the vaccine for over 65-year-olds in three phases this year, so more are coming during November.

“We would urge people to keep in touch with their GP practice or pharmacist to see when they can be vaccinated.”