Half of eligible people aged 50 and over have already received their Covid booster jab in England, according to health bosses.

More than 4.5 million people aged 50 and over - 4,547,927 people - have received a top-up in protection in less than six weeks as part of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme.

More than five million people in total have received their booster, including those who are clinically vulnerable.

Last week also saw record bookings for boosters using the National Booking Service with nearly 900,000 people booking in their booster jab, a 42 per cent increase on the previous week of booster bookings.

A further two million invites are being sent out by the NHS this week as more people become eligible as they reach the six-month mark.

Jane Scattergood, Senior responsible officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria Vaccination Programme, said: “Demand for the booster has been extremely high in Lancashire and South Cumbria, and as soon as eligible people are getting their booster invites they are finding a venue handy for them and booking straight in.

“It means we’re getting through thousands of boosters a day. And coupled with the annual flu vaccination programme in full swing and first and second Covid-19 doses, that’s a lot of jabs!

“With Covid-19 still spreading in our communities, and other winter bugs including flu beginning to circulate, we are making sure that our most vulnerable citizens are protected.”

Anyone eligible for a booster who is 190 days on from their second dose can go online and book through NHS Digital’s booking service or call 119 if they need extra support with their booking.

More than nine in ten care homes have now been visited by the NHS or have a booster clinic booked in.

The NHS will contact you to offer you a booster vaccine if you are eligible and it has been at least six months (182 days) since the date of your second vaccine dose.

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.

Those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, and adult carers.

Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.