Over six million people in the Midlands have now received their lifesaving COVID-19 first booster vaccinations from the NHS.

The region has become the first to hit the milestone after the NHS kicked off the booster programme on 16 September last year, within two days of updated advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Recent research from the UK Health Security Agency has shown that the NHS booster programme has helped prevent around 197,000 hospitalisations in England since mid-December.

Cases of COVID continue to rise. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the most recent 7-day period are 30,237 in the East Midlands (621.4 rate per 100,000 population) and 35,930 in the West Midlands (602.7 rate per 100,000 population).

In the East Midlands, 99% on average of 75–79-year-olds have had a booster jab and 85% on average of 55-59-year-olds have been protected in the West Midlands.

Over 250,000 people in the Midlands have now had their spring booster vaccination too. People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are now able to book their spring booster via the national booking service. People who are invited can book in online or by calling 119, which is free from mobiles and landlines. Lines are open every day from 8am to 8pm, and 119 can provide support in 200 languages.

Over 22 million vaccines have already been delivered in the Midlands since the NHS made history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry, in December 2020.

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“The NHS vaccination programme in the Midlands has saved countless lives, reduced pressure on the NHS, and built a wall of defence against the serious effects of COVID.

“It is fantastic to see such strong uptake for the booster vaccine, with over six million people coming forward to book their extra dose.

“Spring boosters have also got off to a superb start. Getting your spring booster will help increase your protection from the rising COVID transmission rates and cut your risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID and being admitted to hospital. I would urge anyone invited for a spring jab to come forward as soon as possible.

“NHS staff continue to work hard across the Midlands to deliver the COVID vaccine to all eligible groups with 5 to 11s the latest to start receiving theirs. The vaccination programme continues to be vital in helping to protect against potential future waves of COVID.”

Across the Midlands there is an ‘evergreen’ offer for COVID-19 vaccinations meaning anyone who has not yet been vaccinated is able to come forward at any time to start their vaccinations.

Those who are eligible can now use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the most convenient site to get their first, second dose or booster without an appointment. People who are eligible can also book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.