More than 10 million people in England have now had their autumn COVID-19 booster, new figures show.
The NHS has provided additional protection against COVID-19 to a total of 10,667,110 people with the new bivalent vaccine ahead of winter.
Bookings opened to everyone aged 50 and over to get their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines just over a week ago.
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‘Thanks to the incredible efforts of staff, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has now delivered more than 10 million autumn boosters in less than two months, providing vital protection to those most susceptible to COVID-19 ahead of winter,’ said NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell.
‘We are continuing to invite and encourage everyone eligible who has yet to take up the offer of a covid booster or flu jab to come forward with the threat of a ‘twindemic’ from both viruses circulating this winter.’
Around 2.3 million people received their autumn booster last week alone with the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme delivering an average of two million covid jabs per week throughout October. A record number of sites are delivering autumn boosters since the campaign began, while the flu jab is being offered at thousands of community pharmacies and GP surgeries across England. Approximately 26 million people are eligible for an autumn COVID-19 booster, and 33 million people are eligible for a flu vaccine.
‘As winter approaches we can expect to see both flu and covid cases rise, so it’s really encouraging to see more than 10 million people have already received their covid booster,’ said Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Dr Thomas Waite.
‘Getting vaccinated against both viruses is the most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting seriously ill. If you’re eligible, now is the time to come forward to top up your protection ahead of winter.’