Amanda Pritchard has announced that Dr Emily Lawson is returning to lead the NHS Covid vaccination programme.

NHS England has said that Professor Willett has overseen the launch of the boosters programme after Lawson was seconded to Downing Street as director of the Number 10 delivery unit. Now, Lawson is stepping back into the post as Professor Sir Keith Willett resumes his role in the NHS Covid Response, leading the health service’s response to the pandemic, ahead of winter.

Lawson ran the NHS vaccine programme from last November, shortly before the NHS made history by delivering the first coronavirus jab outside of a clinical trial, until her secondment. She is expected to return to Downing Street next year.

NHS staff have delivered more than 4.5 million boosters and third jabs in the four weeks since the booster programme began.

Pritchard said: “It’s great news that Emily has agreed to return to lead the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme as our response to the pandemic enters another crucial phase. Vaccines are a key line of defence against Covid and Emily’s wealth of experience, skill and her knowledge of the programme will be a huge asset as we prepare for winter.

“Keith will now return to the Covid incident team for this critical period, when we know this cruel virus spreads more easily, having led the operational response last winter, the most challenging time in NHS history.

“I want to thank him for leading the vaccines team through the last few months and ensuring that millions of people could get their lifesaving Covid jab. Vaccination is the best way to avoid catching Covid or becoming seriously ill so if you are eligible for a booster, or have not yet had a jab, please do come forward and take up the offer”.

Emily Lawson said: “The next phase of the vaccination programme is extremely important – we know that the vaccine is helping us to save lives and so we must focus all of our efforts on rolling out the booster campaign to everyone eligible, as well as ensuring that everyone who has not yet had their first jab, including young people, get the chance to come forward.

“I am once again really looking forward to working with Amanda and other wonderful colleagues in the NHS on the challenge ahead and ensuring that the public are provided with maximum protection from the virus this winter.”