Michael Fabricant says “More than 115 million vaccine doses have now been administered across the UK, and over 19 million people – including 32,196 in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency – have now received a Covid-19 booster jab to protect themselves and others whom they meet this winter.

“By getting the booster jab, you will strengthen the wall of defence against Covid-19 and allow everyone to enjoy Christmas safely this year.

“Nine out of every ten people aged 12 and over have now received at least one dose of the vaccine – almost 51 million people – and eight in ten have received both vaccine doses – over 46 million people. And the latest stats show that one in three people have now already received their booster jab – more than any other country in the world with the exception of the USA and China.  That is an amazing achievement.

“This week, as a precaution in light of the new Omicron variant, the Government has expanded the booster programme to all adults over 18 and announced that all eligible people will be offered a top-up jab by the end of January.  To speed up the vaccination programme, around 400 military personnel will be drafted in to support deployment, with 1,500 community pharmacy sites, additional hospital hubs, and pop-up sites opening in convenient locations across the country.

“I do encourage everyone who has not yet come forward to take up the offer of a vaccine – booster jabs will protect the progress we have already made against the virus and ensure that we can all enjoy Christmas safely.   One year on our historic vaccination programme is not over and we can all still do out bit this winter and stay ahead in the race against the virus by taking up the offer of a vaccine as soon as we are eligible” Michael adds. 

Commenting, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said:  “I’m incredibly proud of our phenomenal COVID-19 vaccination programme. In under a year we have administered more than 115 million doses across the UK, saving countless lives and giving us a powerful weapon to fight this devastating virus.

“The battle is not yet over and we are working around the clock to boost the booster programme even further to maximise immunity following the emergence of the Omicron variant.  It is absolutely crucial everybody comes forward for their vaccines and booster jabs as soon as you are eligible so we can strengthen our wall of defence against COVID-19 and enjoy Christmas safely with our families and loved ones this year.”