Two million people living in the South East of England have now had their Covid-19 vaccine top up, as the NHS covid-19 vaccination rollout continues to protect the country against the virus.

Since the booster programme launched 10 weeks ago, over 12 million people have come forward for vital extra protection across England. A sixth of this population reside in the South East.

In total, more than 92 million vaccines, which includes first, second and booster and third doses, have now been delivered nationally since the NHS in England made history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry, in December 2020.

There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies, GP practices and other convenient community sites – almost every person registered with an English GP practice lives within 10 miles of a fixed vaccination location.

The NHS kicked off the booster programme on September 16, within just two days of updated advice from the JCVI.

Caroline Reid, Regional Director of Commissioning and SRO for the Flu and Covid vaccination programme across the South East, said: “Hitting the two million mark for boosters across the South East is phenomenal and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to have their vaccines so far. However, we mustn’t be complacent, and I would encourage those who are eligible for their Covid-19 booster, who are yet to come forward, to book theirs today.

“I would also like to thank NHS colleagues and volunteers for their continued dedication and commitment in ensuring that the programme is running at pace, with over 15 million Covid-19 vaccinations now given in total across the South East.

She added: “Booster vaccines are by far our best protection against the virus as we head into winter like no other and it is fantastic to see enthusiasm continue to grow as more people become eligible, with millions of lifesaving top-ups delivered across England already.”

Eligible individuals are able to quickly and conveniently book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/book-covid-booster. People that can’t go online can book by phoning 119.

Those who are eligible for a booster at least six months on from their second dose include:

• those living in residential care homes for older adults
• all adults aged 40 years or over
• frontline health and social care workers
• all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers
• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.