People living in North Cumbia who are at increased risk from COVID-19 will be offered extra protection this spring.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS will offer a free COVID-19 spring vaccine to those most vulnerable and at highest risk from severe illness from the virus.

This will include people aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults and anyone aged six months and over who is immunosuppressed.

READ MORE: Almost 40,000 on NHS waiting lists across North Cumbria

Dr Catherine Monaghan, medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and medical advisor to the North East and North Cumbria COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: "For some COVID-19 is unpleasant but for many, particularly older people and those who are immunosuppressed, it can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

"The COVID-19 vaccine remains our best protection against the virus and this year's spring booster programme will continue to focus on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill, who will benefit the most from getting a further dose".