GP surgeries have said they are prioritising the most vulnerable members of the community for the flu jab.

Brampton Medical Practice, based in Market Place, with branches in Corby Hill and Wetheral, is one of those prioritising over 65s and has written to them with an appointment - in line with national guidance by Public Health England.

It comes after the Government body said research showed that people who were infected with both the flu and the coronavirus had a higher chance of "severe illness and death". 

A spokesman for the medical centre said: "The invite letter gives all the details required, please read, complete and bring with you to any of the walk-in clinic dates given.

"People in the 50 to 64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then.

"This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first.

"If you are 50 to 64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier."

Access to Brampton Community Centre is through the side entrance.

Those deemed at risk in the under 65 age group will have invite letters mailed to them this week with different flu clinic dates and information.

Patients can only attend the clinic date given on your letter "as the vaccines are different."

Dr Amanda Boardman, from NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Later in the year we’ll also be looking to extend the vaccine to the over 50s, but it’s important we concentrate our initial efforts on those who are most clinically vulnerable.”

A statement from public health England, on Tuesday, said: "The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.

"It will also be offered to household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and all social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.

"Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50- to 64-year-olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season.

"Anyone who is 50 to 64 years old with long-term health conditions should be vaccinated earlier in the season, in line with all others in risk groups.

"As part of England’s biggest ever flu campaign – alongside adverts across the media and posters in GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals – eligible people will receive additional direct reminders prompting them to book their appointment, supporting the hard work of local GP practices and pharmacies in driving uptake among their registered eligible patients.

"To help increase uptake in the social care sector, for the first time, pharmacists will be able to vaccinate residents and care home staff at the same time."

It also stated that new research from the organisation said the risk of death more than doubled for people who tested positive for both flu and covid-19, compared to those with covid-19 alone.

The research, looking at cases between January and April this year, also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.

Most cases of co-infection were in older people and more than half of them died.