As part of efforts to further bolster the NHS’ successful vaccination drive, it has administered more than 850,000 vital top up jabs.
A total of 863,460 people have already received their top up jab, including boosters and some third doses, since the NHS launched its booster programme. With the online booking service for boosters opening last week, more than one million people have already booked an appointment.
The NHS has sent a further one million invites to eligible people, including those who are clinically vulnerable, health and care workers, and those aged 50 and over.
Hundreds of thousands of text messages and letters have also been sent to people who had their second jab at least six months ago.
Since beginning the vaccination drive in December 2020, the NHS has delivered more than 79 million vaccinations and nearly 9 in 10 adults have had their first dose.
NHS England Medical Director Professor Steve Powis said: “Once again NHS staff have risen to the challenge of delivering the NHS booster campaign at outstanding speed with NHS staff administering vaccinations to those most at risk from Covid-19 just two days after government gave the green light.
“Since then, more than 860,000 people have already come forward for that vital, additional top up in protection that will be needed this winter and I urge anyone who has received an invite to join the million other people who have booked in to protect themselves and their loved ones”.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid added: “The NHS booster programme is already off to a tremendous start, with over 860,000 people in England alone having received a top up jab in just a few short weeks.
“Getting your booster vaccine if you are eligible, or your third primary dose if you are severely immunosuppressed, is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the protection you’ve gained from your first and second doses is maintained over the winter months.
“Please get your Covid-19 booster as soon as you’re offered it, as well as your flu vaccine, to help keep the virus at bay”.
Current Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance says that everyone aged 50 and over, as well as clinically vulnerable individuals and frontline health and social care workers, should receive a top up dose.
