A GP surgery has suspended flu shot walk-in clinics for pensioners because supplies are “exhausted”.

Brampton Medical Practice, on Market Place, has stopped its flu clinic for over 65s for nearly a month, since September 30, because of higher than anticipated demand.

The surgery stated: “Due to an exceptional response our supply of over 65s flu vaccines has been exhausted resulting in the suspension of our walk-in flu clinics.

“The clinics will resume once stock is replenished and those not vaccinated will be notified. Thank you for your patience.”

It said in a later statement that the under 65s ‘at risk’ flu clinics would start on October 6 at the town’s community centre.

The NHS body the oversees the GP surgeries said more supplies are due mid to late November.

A number of other surgeries have also asked for patience while the vaccination programme is rolled out, including the Eden Medical Group in Carlisle.

Westcroft House Surgery, Main Street, Egremont, cancelled its flu walk-in session for their under 65 age group on October 16 - due to high levels of take-up.

A spokesman for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “All GP practices are delivering the flu vaccination in line with national guidance, which means inviting cohorts of patients for the vaccine as deliveries are expected.

“The same process is followed every year, but this year the flu vaccination programme is much bigger than previous years, so people may experience having to wait to receive their jab as the vaccine is delivered at different times to different providers.

“Recent national guidance advises that additional flu vaccine supplies are expected to be delivered to healthcare providers in mid to late November.”

Last month the Brampton surgery said it was prioritising over 65s and had written to many with an appointment.

Recently Public Health England 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 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, the newly eligible 50- to 64-year-olds will be invited for vaccination.”