Carlisle residents are being urged to recognise that it is "imperative" for eligible individuals to get a flu vaccine this year,

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, has stressed to residents in the city that in light of the continued Covid-19 pandemic, it is particularly important this winter for all those who are eligible to get a flu jab.

New research from Public Health England suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Covid-19 alone.

This year, the flu vaccination programme is being expanded to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

The health system is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people.

This programme will include all primary school and year 7 children, two and three-year olds, adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and 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 50-64-year olds will also be invited for a vaccination later in the season.

"As we approach the winter, it is imperative that everyone who needs a flu vaccination takes up the offer to have one," Mr Stevenson said.

"This could make an important difference if they should also catch coronavirus in the months ahead.

"Controlling the spread of coronavirus and protecting the NHS is on all of us – we must all wash our hands, cover our faces and make space – as well as taking sensible steps like getting a flu jab."