Over one million people in the East of England have come forward to have their autumn Covid booster vaccination – less than six weeks after the start of the latest vaccination programme.

NHS vaccination sites were busy jabbing people over the weekend when this major milestone was achieved.

And nearly 800,000 people have had their flu vaccination, ensuring that they have better protection for themselves and their families against a potential ‘twindemic’ of Covid-19 and flu this winter.

Ruth Ashmore, the NHS’s lead for the vaccination programme in the east of England, said:

“It’s tremendous news that over one million people in the East of England have already come forward and had their Covid booster, and the NHS is keen to vaccinate everyone else due to have their booster.

“Every vaccination protects the person, their family and friends from Covid, and reduces the risk of this terrible virus spreading.

“Last week we announced that people aged 50 and over can now book their autumn booster and flu vaccines, as the NHS Covid-19 and flu programmes continue to protect the country.

“As we approach what could be an extremely challenging winter for the NHS, it is vital to get your protection against both Covid and flu so please come forward and book in when you can.”

There are 450 sites across the East of England offering covid vaccinations, including vaccination centres, pharmacies and GP surgeries.

The autumn booster campaign is amongst a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter as the health service continues to face record demand on its urgent and emergency care services.

Measures include increasing bed capacity, expanding the number of 999 and NHS 111 staff, and working with colleagues in social care to ensure patients can be discharged in a timely manner.

For a full list of pharmacies offering a free NHS flu vaccination, please visit the nhs.uk website.

Pharmacies are taking appointment bookings for flu vaccination online.