The NHS is to provide GPs an extra £10 for every care home resident they are able to vaccinate against coronavirus by the end of January in an accelerated drive to protect the most vulnerable.

Figures claims that more than three quarters of a million people were vaccinated in under three weeks from the start of the programme. At the end of December, NHS data showed that a total of 786,000 people received a coronavirus jab between the NHS delivering the world’s first vaccination outside of a clinical trial on 8 December and 27 December.

Approximately two thirds, some 524,439, were delivered to people aged 80 and over who are particularly vulnerable to the virus, meaning that around one in five people of that age are already protected.

The £10 per jab additional funding for GPs to prioritise them is expected to see the majority of care home residents vaccinated by the end of January and all those who have not had the jab are expected to have an appointment by then. NHS staff are also being prioritised now that more vaccine is coming on stream.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: “Three quarters of a million people have now received the Pfizer vaccine thanks to the tireless efforts of NHS staff who have given up time with their families over Christmas to deliver vaccines at the same times as treating record numbers of seriously-ill patients with Covid-19.

“As we head into the New Year with a second vaccine that is also more versatile we will be able to expand the programme and ensure that the majority of care home residents are protected within the next four weeks or so. It is also great news that we will be able to begin vaccinating NHS staff serving on the frontline to protect them against coronavirus.”