MORE than 20 million people in England have had their flu jabs as the number of patients in critical care with the virus hits its highest yet this winter, new NHS figures show today.

Around four in five people aged 65 and over, as well as more than three in five of those aged 50 to 64, have had their flu vaccine.

Data published today shows flu inpatients are still much higher than they have been since the pandemic hit, with 5,263 people in hospital with the virus last week. 

NHS Somerset is encouraging people to book their appointments.

If you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and have yet to have yours, you can now use one of the NHS's walk-in clinics across Somerset.

Hours and times are detailed below and no booking is needed:

Tower Vaccination Centre (Tower Street, Taunton), Monday and Thursday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Minehead Community Hospital, alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays (starting from Tuesday, Jan 2), 8.30am to 6pm.

Wellington Community Hospital, Wednesdays, 9am to 4.20pm.

Bridgwater Community Hospital, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 6pm.