Shoppers have been snapping up flu vaccinations across Medway supermarkets after warnings of a harsh winter.

Stores have brought in extra stocks after last year's shortages and claim more people are coming to them for protection against the virus before the cold weather bites.

Asda, in Chatham, is offering one of the cheapest jabs at £7. It said it has increased its vaccination service this year and is now offering jabs every day to keep up with demand.

Pharmacy manager Nuala McGibbon said: "It's been much more popular than last year. I think people are worried about the bad winter we have been told we're going to have.

"We see a lot of elderly patients who can't afford to pay for a taxi to get to their GP so they come to us, or people who can't get it for free at work any more due to cutbacks."

Kofi Smith, manager at Walderslade's Morrisons pharmacy, which is offering the vaccination for £9.50, said: "It has been quite popular this year. I think people come to us more because it's convenient for them and you don't have to wait for an appointment with a GP."

But Medway's director of public health, Dr Alison Barnett, said there were enough vaccines for everyone in Medway in at-risk categories this year.

Those who are eligible for a free vaccine, which protects against three strains of flu, including swine flu, include pregnant women, everyone aged over 65 and people with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney disease and liver disease.

People who are the main unpaid carer for someone who depends on them are also entitled to free vaccinations.

Dr Barnett added: "Most people in these groups will have already been contacted by their practices to prompt them to make an appointment."

Anyone who has not been contacted but thinks they should have is urged to contact their GP. People worried about their own condition should phone their GP, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or MedOCC out-of-hours on 01634 891855.