More than 13 million life-saving booster jabs have been given across the UK, marking another significant milestone in the vaccination programme.

A total of 286,582 top-up jabs were recorded in the UK on 16 November, bringing the total to 13,147,333, providing crucial protection against the virus ahead of the winter months.

The government has accepted the advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to expand the booster programme to those aged 40-49. This means millions more people will be eligible to get their third dose.

The government has also announced that the Midlands has become the first region to individually hit two million top-up jabs given.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “There is not a second to waste in getting your booster jab – and it is fantastic to see more than 13 million people have now come forward to top-up their protection this winter. I want to thank everyone who has come forward for their jab and the NHS and army of volunteers helping to get jabs in arms. While we know immunity can wane after six months, new data published this week shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90% - showing just how important the booster is, so come forward for yours as soon as you can to protect yourself and your loved ones.”