As NHS figures show more than 3 million Covid-19 booster vaccinations have been delivered regionally, people in the North East and Yorkshire are being urged to come forward as soon as eligible for their jab which gives extra protection against serious illness.

With vaccination teams at hospital hubs, GPs clinics and community pharmacies continuing to jab thousands of people in the region each day, the NHS is urging people not to delay and book their booster in the run-up to the winter break. Analysis shows a third, booster jab prevents around 75% of people getting Covid symptoms.

Dr Yvette Oade, NHS Clinical Lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme for North East and Yorkshire, explained that a booster dose of vaccine significantly improves people’s protection against the Omicron variant, which is causing concern due to its speed of spread.

“The booster vaccine significantly improves your level of protection against the new variant, so getting your jab as soon as you’re eligible is the best Christmas present you can give yourself and those close to you at this special time of year,” Dr Oade said.

“Thanks to the hard work of health service staff and our wonderful volunteers, the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme in the North East and Yorkshire has delivered 3.2 million booster doses.

“But we need everyone to play their part in the regional and national mission to protect the country. If you have already booked your booster jab appointment for January, please consider bringing it forward, if eligible, to get vital protection against the virus as quickly as possible.”

Nationally, the NHS vaccination programme is offering every adult the chance to book a Covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year.

Since Monday, people aged 30 and over have been able to book an appointment for a booster jab three months after their second Covid-19 vaccination, and from today adults aged 18 to 29 who are eligible may book their booster through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.

The NHS is asking people to keep checking for appointments as more become available every day. Vaccination sites have been asked to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible and in every community there should be slots available at least 16 hours a day.

All eligible adults can book their life-saving booster jab two months (61 days) after their second dose using the NHS national booking system, getting their top-up protection three months (91 days) on from their second dose, following updated JCVI guidance.

GP teams are being asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximum capacity to support the Covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care.

• The NHS has launched a campaign to recruit tens of thousands more vaccinators and volunteers to support the expansion of the Covid-19 vaccine programme and is urging the public to sign up if they can help. Find out more about the paid and volunteer roles on offer. Nationally, more than 102 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been delivered in the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.