The NHS has administered more than 850,000 vital top up jabs, as the biggest and most successful vaccination drive in health history continues.

NHS England says that a total of 863,460 people have already had their top up jab, including boosters and some third doses, since the NHS launched its booster programme.

More than a million people have already been quick to book in for their booster since the online service opened for bookings just last week and the NHS has sent a further one million invites to eligible people this week including those who are clinically vulnerable, health and care workers and people aged 50 and over – throughout the week.

Professor Steve Powis, NHS England Medical Director, said: “Once again NHS staff have risen to the challenge of delivering the NHS booster campaign at outstanding speed with NHS staff administering vaccinations to those most at risk from Covid just two days after government gave the green light.

“Since then, more than 860,000 people have already come forward for that vital, additional top up in protection that will be needed this winter and I urge anyone who has received an invite to join the million other people who have booked in to protect themselves and their loved ones”.

More than 79 million vaccinations have been delivered and nearly nine in 10 adults have had their first dose.