Covid booster jabs given to more than three million people in Midlands
More than three million people in the Midlands have now had a Covid booster jab this autumn.
The Midlands is the first region in England to hit the milestone and has achieved 3,003,647 of the country’s total vaccinations of 15.3 million.
So far, over 853,858 autumn booster appointments in the East Midlands and over 787,604 appointments in the West Midlands have been booked since September 12.
Many more people are getting their vaccinations through walk-in clinics.
And those yet to take up the offer are being urged to come forward.
People aged 50 and over, the severely immunosuppressed and frontline health and care workers can get vaccinated.
The NHS is also rolling out this year’s flu vaccine, with eligible people able to get their flu and Covid jab at the same time in many places.
Currently, over 43 per cent of people – more than three million – in the Midlands have had their flu jabs.
Roz Lindridge, NHS England director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said: “The incredible efforts of NHS staff in the Midlands have now ensured better protection for over three million people at higher risk of illness from Covid-19 this autumn.
“Now temperatures are dropping and people are spending more time indoors, the protection offered by their last vaccination will be reduced. So, all those who are eligible should get their booster to keep protection high. The important benefit this booster provides is that it protects against Omicron variants as well as the original Covid variants.”
People can book their latest dose through the national booking system or by calling 119.
You can also get a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from a walk-in site without an appointment.
