The NHS is sending out two million more invitations this week to people who are eligible for their booster vaccine ahead of winter.

According to NHS England, more than five million people have already received the additional life-saving jab since the largest vaccination programme in NHS history began administering them last month, just two days after the JCVI updated its guidance.

The NHS is following guidance that boosters should be delivered at least six months after the second dose, with current evidence suggesting this is the best time to increase immunity to coronavirus.

Around 10 million people in England are currently eligible for a booster including health and care workers, those with underlying health conditions and people aged 50 and over.

NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: “Winter is coming and infection rates are rising and so it’s now really important that everyone receiving their invite for a booster vaccine from the NHS this week books in at one of the convenient vaccinations sites around the country offering this crucial, additional protection.

“Thanks to NHS staff nine in ten people have had a first dose, saving tens of thousands of lives and now more than five million boosters have been delivered in the first month of the roll out. I would urge anyone receiving an invite this week to book in as soon as possible – the booster dose is proven to significantly increase protection against Covid and will provide vital protection this winter.”