As the number of people in the North East and Yorkshire vaccinated against Covid-19 passes 16 million, the NHS has underlined its call for all eligible adults to get their booster jab by the end of the month.

The 16 million jabs milestone comes as bookings in this region for booster jabs, which give vital protection against the powerful Omicron strain, continue to surge. Over the weekend more than 216,000 people in the North East and Yorkshire came forward for their boosters – bringing the total number of top-up doses delivered regionally to 3.8 million.

Dr Yvette Oade, the NHS region’s clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend for the vaccination programme, with NHS staff working tirelessly to get as many people as possible protected from the virus. Supported by dedicated volunteers they are rising to the regional and national mission of getting as many jabs into people’s arms as possible over the festive season.

“Behind our region’s latest vaccination milestone of 16.4 million Covid-19 doses is an exceptional effort by NHS staff and volunteers at vaccine sites in hospital hubs, pharmacies, GP-led clinics and pop-up locations such as shopping centres. The accelerated booster programme has been embraced by people across our region, and vaccination teams have been delighted by their response.”

Latest NHS figures show that on Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 December, 115,834 and 100,568 booster jabs, respectively, were delivered in the North East and Yorkshire.

Dr Oade continued: “A top-up, or booster dose of vaccine significantly improves your protection against the Omicron strain, preventing around 75 per cent of people getting any Covid symptoms. To anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated, please come forward as soon as you’re eligible for your booster jab.”

Every adult over 18 is eligible for a booster jab three months after their second vaccination following updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. With some sites busy, the best way to guarantee your jab is to book it through the National Booking Service or by calling 119. People can use the NHS online walk-in finder to find their nearest walk-in site.

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.

• The NHS is recruiting tens of thousands more vaccinators and volunteers to support the expanded Covid-19 vaccine programme and is urging people to sign up if they can help. Find out more about the paid and volunteer roles on offer.