Dr Emily Lawson is urging people that are contacted to bring forward their second jab to rebook as soon as possible.

New data from the health service shows that approximately 98 per cent of people are currently taking up their second dose within 12 weeks, with the data also showing that there were 13.5 million first and second doses given out in May, making it the highest month on record. During the record-high month the NHS was giving 12,500 jabs every hour.

On the advice of the JCVI and government to bring forward second vaccine doses for everyone aged 50 and above or with underlying health conditions, the NHS has sent texts to more than 1.7 million people that have booked through the National Booking Service inviting them to rebook their appointment.

More than half of people in England are now fully vaccinated thanks to efforts of NHS staff with 23,077,511 people receiving both doses, giving them maximum protection against coronavirus. In another milestone, over three-quarters of the adult population in England have now been vaccinated, with 33,525,485 first doses delivered.

Lawson, NHS lead for the COVID vaccination programme, said: “Along with half of the adult population in England, I am now fully vaccinated against coronavirus, and I want to see everyone else follow suit. If you are contacted to bring forward your second dose appointment I would urge you to do this as soon as possible, as getting both doses is what will give everyone the maximum possible protection against Covid.

“The vaccine is our most effective weapon against the virus and there has never been a more important time to get protected so if you’re contacted by the NHS, book your jab or bring forward your second dose.”