The NHS Covid vaccination programme, the biggest and most successful in health service history, continued over the festive period in England.

NHS staff across England reported hundreds of thousands of life-saving ‘jingle jab’ vaccinations at scores of sites over Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day, with 54,307 total jabs given to Londoners including more than 47,000 top-up doses, and over 3,000 first doses.

Redbridge Town Hall in London was the busiest site in the whole country; with NHS Christmas heroes delivering 904 vaccinations on Christmas Day and another 817 vaccinations on Boxing Day.

Dr Seedat, GP and vaccination lead at Redbridge Town Hall, said: “I am delighted that at Redbridge Town Hall we saw the highest number of people in the country come forward for their jab over Christmas and Boxing Day, protecting themselves and their loved ones against Covid, and credit goes to the whole team, especially those working behind the scenes, who gave up their time to make London safer.

“I urge any Londoner who is eligible but yet to come forward for their first, second or booster jab to join those getting vaccinated – book or walk-in to any of the many vaccinations sites across the city today.”

Experts have found that two jabs do not provide the protection we need against the new Omicron strain.

Dr Emily Lawson, head of the NHS COVID vaccination programme, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who gave up time with their families over Christmas to protect others – as these figures show it was time well spent.

“But if you were too busy shopping, cooking, wrapping or visiting family and friends over Christmas to get a jab please book now.

“There are 1.3 million appointments still available between now and next week so go online and arrange one.

“You won’t need to queue and it is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends from Covid.

“We know that two jabs do not provide the protection you need from Omicron so if you are eligible book a booster without delay.”

The Jingle Jabs push followed a bumper weekend in London and across the country. 1.5 million top-ups were given nationally the previous weekend – including 830,000 top-ups reported on Saturday 18th December alone – the highest number ever.

Every eligible adult can now book in for their all-important jab online and given some sites remain busy, the NHS is encouraging people to book to guarantee their slot.