More than 125,000 booster jab appointments are still up for grabs this week in the east of England as the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme continues at pace to protect the country against the virus.

In recent weeks, the NHS has ramped up its delivery of vaccinations at pharmacies, hospitals, vaccination centres and GP surgeries in an effort to boost the country’s immunity against Covid-19.

So far, in the East of England region, more than 13.5 million vaccinations have been administered against Covid-19.

People have been urged to ‘get boosted now’ as two doses of the vaccine are not enough and thousands of slots are ready to be filled. Two vaccination doses give little protection against Omicron, with UKHSA data showing that a booster gives significantly more protection against severe disease and hospitalisation.

Ruth Ashmore, director of commissioning and executive lead for the vaccination programme for NHS England and NHS Improvement East of England, said: 

“Receiving your latest dose of vaccination is the best thing you can do in protecting yourself and the NHS this winter.

“With more than 125,000 appointments up for grabs in the region this week, we urge all of those who are eligible to come forward as soon as possible.

“The offer of a first vaccine from the NHS remains evergreen so if you are yet to receive a vaccination, it is never too late to come forward and get maximum protection from Omicron.”

Anyone yet to have a first, second or third dose can book in online through the National Booking Service if it has been three months since your last dose. You cannot have your vaccine if it has been less than 28 days since a positive COVID test.

The NHS is also urging families to get their children protected against the virus after booking slots for 12-15-year olds to get their second Covid-19 vaccine became available last month.

Since the NHS in England made history on 8 December 2020 when Maggie Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry, more than 113 million vaccine doses have been delivered to help protect the country from the virus.