The NHS has announced that nearly 1.6 million booster jabs have been delivered over the past seven days, following a week of record bookings for boosters.

The milestone comes alongside over half a million texts (532,000) going out on 28 October and 322,000 letters landing on doorsteps from 29 October.

Nearly 1.5 million top-up jabs took place last week (18-24 October) – with more than 710,000 boosters reported on 22 October and over the weekend alone. Last week also saw record bookings for boosters using the National Booking Service with nearly 900,000 people booking in their booster jab – a 42 per cent increase on the previous week.

NHS medical director Stephen Powis said: “The NHS booster roll out continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 1.6 million lifesaving booster jabs delivered in the last seven days, higher than last week’s record numbers, and with over half of eligible over 50s now protected – a remarkable effort from NHS staff and volunteers in such a short space of time.

“The vaccine is quick and easy and it provides really important protection against the virus, especially as we go into the winter months. So, if your letter or text lands today, do come forward and book your jab – it will protect you and those around you.”