Thousands of patients in south Essex will have to wait for flu jabs because of a shortage of the vaccine.

GP surgeries and health centres have been told they will not get enough supplies for up to four weeks to vaccinate those who need protection against the virus.

The shortage has been caused by the possible contamination of a large batch of vaccine which was destined for those most at risk - the young, elderly and those with breathing problems.

A spokesman for Southend Primary Care Trust said ten practices have yet to receive their flu jabs - the vaccination campaign was due to start tomorrow.

She said: "There has been an issue with one of the suppliers which has caused a delay but they will be arriving in the next few weeks.

"It is business as usual, just a couple of weeks late. We want to reassure those who need the jab to go along and get it done."

Around 1,500 residents in Wickford may have to wait longer, however.

Robert Frew medical centre, Salcott Crescent, Wickford, has had to cancel the three weekly sessions for the flu vaccinations because the batch from their usual vaccine supplier has a possible contamination.

Though they went to another supplier and were able to vaccinate 1,000 patients, 1,500 more will have to go without the jab until the week beginning November 1.

Practice manager Colleen Shelley said: "Thanks to another company, we were able to vaccinate 1,000 patients. We are very grateful to them for this. "We feel it is important to get this care to our patients early."