People across the Midlands are being encouraged to make getting a Covid-19 vaccine their New Year’s resolution to better protect themselves and their loved ones in 2022.

So far more than 5.3million boosters have been delivered across the region and over 20 million vaccinations, including first and second doses, have been given in total.

Anyone in the region who has not had their first, second or booster jab is encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.

UK Health Security Agency data shows that two doses of a Covid vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a third booster prevents around 75% of people getting any Covid-19 symptoms.

It’s now even easier for people in the Midlands to get their jab as hundreds of sites are available at convenient locations, including shopping centres, sports grounds and town centres, as well as local pharmacies and GP surgeries.

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said: “We don’t yet know the full scale of rising Omicron cases and how this will affect people needing NHS treatment but with the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 having hit a ten month high it’s now more important than ever to get your Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Heading into 2022 we’re making it even easier for people in the Midlands to get their vaccines, with a whole host of convenient sites.

“This year we have had an incredible response to the vaccination programme with millions of people coming forward for their life-saving vaccines.

“I’m hugely grateful and thankful to all the NHS staff and vaccination centre volunteers across the Midlands who have been working so hard to respond to the public demand for the vaccine.

“We now want to keep up the momentum so if you haven’t taken up the offer yet please come forward and start 2022 better protected.”

If you have recently had a positive Covid-19 test you need to wait 28 days before you can have your first, second or booster vaccination.

All eligible people in the Midlands aged 18 and over can use the national booking service or call 119 to make an appointment.

Drop-in vaccination sites can also be found on the NHS online walk-in finder, allowing people to be jabbed without the need for an appointment.