Nearly 1.6 million booster jabs have been delivered over the past seven days, NHS England has announced.
Last week also saw record bookings for boosters using the National Booking Service with nearly 900,000 people booking in their booster jab – a 42% increase on the previous week.
A total of two million invites are being sent out by the NHS this week as more people become eligible as they reach the six-month mark.
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‘The NHS booster roll out continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 1.6 million lifesaving booster jabs delivered in the last seven days, higher than last week’s record numbers, and with over half of eligible over 50s now protected – a remarkable effort from NHS staff and volunteers in such a short space of time,’ said NHS medical director Stephen Powis.
‘The vaccine is quick and easy and it provides really important protection against the virus, especially as we go into the winter months. So, if your letter or text lands today, do come forward and book your jab – it will protect you and those around you.’
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There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies, GP practices and other convenient community sites – almost every person registered with an English GP practice lives within 10 miles of a fixed vaccination location.
‘Millions of people have already had their booster jab at vaccination sites across the country – including 1.6 million in the last week alone – ensuring they and their loved ones are kept as safe as possible over the coming months,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.
“The booster programme is maintaining protection for the most vulnerable this winter, and with hundreds of thousands more set to receive letters and texts this week, we’re continuing to bolster our monumental wall of defence around the country.’