More than 150,000 North West vaccine appointments available this week

Across the North West, more than 14 million doses have been given, part of 113 million nationally, including 3.6 million booster jabs

NHS North West’s vaccination lead is encouraging people to book in for their booster jab, with more than 158,000 appointments still available this week - as the region passed the 14 million Covid vaccine dose milestone.

Over 150,000 appointments are available to book in the region up until Sunday, with staff and volunteers on the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme continuing to work flat out to protect people from the virus.

Across the North West, more than 14 million doses have been given, part of 113 million nationally, including 3.6 million booster jabs.

Regional director of commissioning at NHS England and improvement and senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme in the North West, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, is encouraging people to come forward as soon as they’re eligible for their booster – three months after their second jab.

She said: “As we continue the fight against the Omicron variant, the NHS in the region is pulling out all the stops to protect as many people as possible. You can do your bit by booking your booster jab as soon as you become eligible, to make sure you reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

“Getting your vaccine is easy and with more than 300 vaccination sites across the region, you can get your jab around your work and social commitments. You can use the National Booking Service, which has available slots this week, call 119 or find a walk-in site near you.”

People are also reminded that they only have to wait three months after their second dose for their booster. So if they had booked their booster for six months after their second dose, they are strongly encouraged to bring this forward to three months quickly and easily via the online booking service.

Anyone yet to have a first or second dose can also book one of the many appointments available this week. If you have recently had Covid you must wait 28 days from your positive test before having a vaccine or booster.

To book your Covid-19 vaccine, you can use the national booking service, call 119 or find a local walk-in site here.