LAST SHOT AT A FLU-FREE XMAS

Experts tellvulnerable to get jabs today

- BY MARTIN BAGOT Health Editor

BRITAIN is facing an unprecedented wave of super-flu as infections and hospitalisations surge.

NHS figures show people on wards in England with the virus is at a record high for the time of year and has jumped by 55% in a week.

Rates are highest among the over-75s and youngsters aged under five, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency.

Infections in the community are also climbing, driven by the virus spreading between kids, it warns.

Despite reports of vaccine shortages at some pharmacies, health chiefs are urging people to take their last chance to get jabbed today to be fully protected in time for Christmas Day.

England's top doctor says there are now enough people being hospitalised with flu to fill three hospital trusts, as A&E doctors dubbed it a "flu-nami".

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said: "With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super-flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year - with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.