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People who still need a spring booster vaccination have been urged to come forward as soon as practically possible.

The NHS has now invited everyone eligible for this dose, more than 5 million, including all aged 75 years and over, those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system and residents in older adult care homes.

More than 4 million have already had their jab. Anyone who still needs one is encouraged to visit the National Booking Service, call 119 or find a convenient local walk-in site.

Getting the jab as early as possible will allow more time before a further autumn dose to extend protection over winter, and will give better protection against any potential resurgence in infection levels.

The NHS and government have set out a blueprint to address backlogs built up during the COVID pandemic and tackle long waits for care with a massive expansion in capacity for tests, checks and treatments.

NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard and Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid announced that the health service will build dozens more community diagnostic centres as part of the new elective care recovery plan.

The ‘Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care’ will also give patients greater control over their own health and offer greater choice of where to get care if they are waiting too long for treatment.