The NHS and England's most senior doctor have asked the public to check if they or a loved one are eligible for a covid jab this winter, because they have a condition that may put them at risk of serious illness.

More than two-thirds of those with a weakened immune system have already had their booster, but hundreds of thousands of people are still yet to come forward.

Around 6.4 million people are eligible for the jab because of a medical condition. The NHS has invited everyone, though people are able to self-declare if they think they should have been invited or if they have only recently become eligible.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “While we have seen fantastic uptake of the covid booster, we know that there are hundreds of thousands of people out there who are at increased risk of serious illness and hospitalisation from covid but are yet to come forward.

“Some of these people may not even be aware that they or a loved one meet the criteria to get a jab due to an existing condition they have.

“The NHS is now urging everyone to check whether they or someone they know meets the criteria – and to go on to the National Booking Service and self-declare if they are yet to do so – it could be the best gift you give a loved one this Christmas”.

Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay