A total of 830,403 boosters were delivered and 906,656 vaccinations altogether, including more first and second vaccinations – both records for the programme.

The biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health history chalked up a string of records last week in a bid to get the nation protected against the new Omicron variant.

More than 4.2 million boosters were reported (Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 December) – up on 2.4 million boosters the week before – and a 77 per cent increase.

As part of the national mission to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible following the emergence of the new variant, the NHS booster programme opened up to millions more people so that every eligible adult can book their vital jab.

The NHS is urging everyone who is eligible – three months on from their second jab – to get their booster as soon as possible.

Appointments will continue to be available over the festive period.

Dr Emily Lawson, head of the NHS Vaccination programme, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to NHS staff and volunteers who are working flat out to vaccinate people in the run up to Christmas and it’s great to see that their efforts have been matched by the public’s willingness to get protected. From large centres to small community pharmacies, the whole country is pulling together to get everyone jabbed.

“And with Omicron spreading quickly it’s vital we keep that enthusiasm going – and as long as people continue to come forward the NHS will be there to get them vaccinated – so the NHS message is clear, book your booster today to guarantee your vital and lifesaving jab.”

Vaccination sites have been asked to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible with some sites extending to a 24-hour operation to make it easier for people who work shift patterns.

There are now around 3,000 sites across the country, with 99% of the country living within 10 miles of a site including around double the number of hospitals offering jabs to the public.

In just over a year since Maggie Keenan received the first approved COVID-19 vaccine in the world, the NHS has administered over 106 million jabs.

People can have a booster three months after their second jab, following updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The NHS has today (20 December) opened the national booking service for 12-15 year olds to get their second COVID-19 jab, as part of the national mission to get people protected against the new Omicron variant.

All eligible 12-15s will be able to book their second jab online if they had their first dose more than 12 weeks ago, in line with updated guidance from the JCVI published on 29 November.