Flu vaccine uptake among older patients in Brighton is below the national average, according to the newest figures.

Just 70 per cent of patients aged over 65 in the city had received their jab as of November.

The vaccinations are said to be “critically important” in reducing the burden on health services.

The figures for Brighton and Hove are lowest in Sussex and it is the only area where uptake is below the national average.

Statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that 31,769 patients in the city over the age of 65 received a flu vaccine up to November.

The figures amount to 70.3 per cent of the 45,198 over-65s eligible for the jab. The national average is 76 per cent.

Figures also show that fewer than 40 per cent of at-risk patients under 65 received their jabs.

In contrast, 76 per cent of people in East Sussex had received their jabs, matching national figures, while West Sussex was above average at 80 per cent.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, urged older people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.

She said: "Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses and although there's still a chance we might get flu even after vaccination the symptoms are likely to be milder and more short-lived.

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"With all the worries about the rising cost of living and energy prices and with the additional pressures on the NHS at wintertime it’s more important than ever to stay fit and well this year and getting these vaccinations will help.”

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at UKHSA, said infections are rising as people socialise indoors over the festive season.

She said: "Nobody wants to get their new year off to a bad start so be sure to give yourself the best possible protection against flu and Covid-19 as we head into peak season.

"Pregnant women and those in clinical risk groups are at higher risk of complications from flu but over 60 per cent of these groups remain unvaccinated so we urge them to come forward."

Dr Ramsay said those eligible should speak to their GP – adding that many pharmacies offer free bookable and walk-in vaccinations.