More than half a million top up COVID-19 jabs have been delivered in the North West in a month, as the NHS vaccination rollout continues to protect those most at risk from coronavirus.

A total of 548,933 top ups have been administered since the programme began on September 20, just days after updated advice from the JCVI. Nationally, four million booster jabs have been given – more than double the rate of the initial rollout in December.

People over 50, frontline healthcare and social care staff and those with underlying health conditions in the North West are being invited to book their jab when they become eligible.

The number of sites offering the booster vaccine in the region continues to expand, with more than 300 vaccine services approved to give the top-up dose, including pharmacies, hospital hubs, GP practices and vaccination centres.

More than 10.4 million vaccination have been delivered in the region, part of more than 83 million nationally.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Executive Lead/Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in the North West is urging those eligible to get their top up

protection ahead of winter.

She said: “In the North West, we’ve already seen a fantastic response to the booster vaccination programme which has given more than half a million people extra protection in time for winter. When you receive your invite, please make sure you book your jab as soon as possible.

“It’s great to see so many sites offering the booster in the region, making it easy for the most vulnerable to get their third jab. We’ve doubled the amount of pharmacies taking part in the vaccination programme with over 100 sites now offering the booster jab and more are set to start in the coming weeks.”

People who are eligible will be invited for their booster shot at least six months on from their second dose, in line with independent expert advice – the number of people who are eligible changes daily as additional people reach six months since their second jab.

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 50 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.