BRITS have been given one “last chance” to get their winter jabs to avoid spending Christmas in bed – or in hospital.

The NHS has called on anyone eligible for a free vaccine to nab a slot before bookings close this week.

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People will no longer be able to get an appointment for a free flu or Covid -19 jab via the National Booking Service after Thursday, December 19.

After that, it’ll be much more challenging to protect yourself against the “tidal wave” of flu and winter illnesses reported in recent days.

You might still be able to visit a Covid-19 walk-in vaccination site or find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine, but you may have to travel further.

Flu and Covid jabs offer vital protection to those at greater risk of severe illness and hospitalisation from the common bugs.

Toddlers, school children, pregnant people, those aged 65 and over and frontline health staff are among those who can get a jab free of charge.

Steve Russell, chief delivery officer and national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “With just three days to go, we are now in the last chance saloon to book extra protection against ‘festive flu’ via the online service.

“It’s important to remember that after Thursday, you may have to travel quite a bit further to get jabbed, with appointments no longer in as convenient places like supermarkets or car parks.

“So, as our autumn vaccination programme closes, it’s important to come forward and get jabbed for yourselves and your loved ones.”

Last week, NHS bosses warned of an earlier-than-usual surge of flu and seasonal viruses, which saw hospitalisations for flu jump by 70 per cent in the space of a week.

The flu wave comes as the health service heads into an extremely busy winter, with the latest data showing record numbers of patients heading to A&E.

In the days following health bosses’s plea, Brits flocked to take up their jabs.

Over half a million vaccinations have now been booked in the last five weeks, with NHS staff giving a staggering 28 million flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.

But health services are still bracing themselves for a “quad-demic” of winter illnesses – flu, Covid, sickness big norovirus and lung-disease causing RSV – as the latest flu data shows a 38 per cent increase in hospital admissions and an 80 per cent increase in ICU admissions.

Why get jabbed?

Increasing rates of flu are placing additional strain on hospitals and health services as we head into the festive period.

But health bosses have also warned that a flu, Covid or RSV infection could “derail” Christmas plans.

Steve said: “The NHS is heading into winter busier than ever before, and with a worrying, earlier-than-usual surge in seasonal viruses being seen, we’re now urging people to get vaccinated before it becomes less convenient on the 20 December.

“Vaccination is our best protection against the viruses that derail the things that we want to do, including starting our all-important New Year’s resolutions and seeing friends and family in the new year. It can also have a significant impact on our loved ones working in jobs that don’t provide sick pay.”

Minister for public health and prevention Andrew Gwynne added: “Flu cases are putting a lot of pressure on the NHS, so it’s vital those eligible for the vaccine come forward to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones is to get vaccinated – book your flu jab today and protect yourself over the festive season.”

And Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at UKHSA, said: “Taking up the vaccine will prevent putting your seasonal plans in jeopardy – and more importantly, prevent the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.”