NHS Borders has apologised for the difficulties people are facing when booking a flu vaccine appointment.

Eligible residents started receiving letters last week asking them to book an appointment through the new dedicated phone line or by email.

But now health bosses have apologised for underestimating the demand for appointments after receiving 60,000 attempted calls and 4,000 emails in three days.

In a statement issued last night (Thursday, September 24), NHS Borders chief executive Ralph Roberts said: "I apologise for the delays that many of you are experiencing and any inconvenience and worry this is causing."

The health board should have been more prepared for the demand, according to Mr Roberts.

He said: "I fully understand why people are frustrated about not being able to get through to our booking line.

"We recognise, in hindsight, that we could have been better prepared and we are making every effort to expand our booking capacity and learning from what is a new experience for us all."

An NHS spokesperson added: "We ask that if you cannot immediately get through to the vaccination booking team that you do not immediately redial but that you ring again at a later time or on a different day.

"If you have emailed us please wait until a member of our team contacts you. Please do not re-email us."

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, NHS Borders extended the range of patients able to receive a free flu vaccine to include those aged 55-64 with no underlying health conditions. 

The vaccine is being provided in order to reduce the pressure on the health service this winter as it continues to battle against the pandemic.

Although patients aged 65+ should have already received their letters, those aged under 65 with underlying health conditions and children aged two to five should expect their letters in due course.

The latter group will be given the jab at their registered GP surgery.

Children of school age who receive the vaccine will have this delivered by their school's nursing team.

Over 65s will be vaccinated at community venues in the Borders.

“I can assure that our team are working incredibly hard and we will ensure that everyone does get an appointment so that you receive your flu vaccination over the next few months," Mr Roberts added.

For more information on booking a flu vaccine and the groups eligible for the free jab, visit this website.