NHS vaccination teams have visited every care home in England offering covid boosters and flu jabs ahead of the festive period.

The specialist teams have visited more than 15,000 care homes since September and 88.6 per cent of eligible residents have had a covid booster.

Those who were unable to get their jabs for any reason are still able to, if a team returns to their home, or via their GP or the National Booking Service.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “While we have seen a resurgence in flu and other winter illnesses this year, there are still around 6,000 patients in hospital with covid and that is why it has been so important that we protect those most vulnerable to the disease with a booster, including people who live in care homes.

“I am delighted that our dedicated NHS staff have been able to go into every care home in England in the last 12 weeks to make sure residents are protected ahead of Christmas, meaning they can spend much needed time with family and friends without the anxiety of spreading covid and its potential consequences.

“It is fantastic that so many residents are already up to date with their jabs and I’d encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible as we head into colder months where we notoriously see increased illness and hospitalisation especially among the elderly”.