Get boosted now text message to go out from Boxing Day

As part of the national 'get boosted now' campaign to protect against Omicron, a text will be sent out from Boxing Day reminding people to get jabbed.

More than 32 million people - over 60% of adults in the UK - have now had their Covid-19 booster.

The expansion of the booster programme continues at a rapid pace, with all adults able to get their life-saving jab by booking online through the National Booking Service or by visiting their nearest walk-in vaccination centre.

This week, more vaccination sites, including football stadiums and shopping centres, have opened across the country, making it as easy as possible to receive a booster.

221,564 first doses were administered in the week of 15 to 21 December in England, a 46% increase from the previous week and 279,112 second doses were administered, a 39% jump.

In England, there was an 85% increase in first doses in people aged 18 and 24 and a 71% increase in first doses among people aged 25 to 30. The 7 days up to 21 December saw more over 60s have a first dose than any 7-day period since early June.

While two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time.

However, a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster is given. It is vital to get a first and second jab, in order to be eligible for a booster.

More than 30 million people have already had their top-up jab and all eligible adults will be offered a boosted vaccine by the end of the year.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "We are texting this Boxing Day for all eligible adults to get boosted now.

"It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year."

Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead for the NHS Covid vaccination programme, said: "It is so encouraging to see that alongside the incredible booster uptake we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks, and throughout Christmas, every day people are continuing to come forward for their first and second doses – allowing them to also get their booster as soon as possible.

"With lots of appointments available to book online and pop-up clinics and walk-ins right across the country, it is never too late to get your first Covid-19 vaccine and the offer from the NHS is evergreen."

Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.

Some venues and events in England now require people to have two Covid-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as a condition of entry.

People can access their NHS Covid Pass digitally or receive a paper copy once they have been doubled jabbed.