The NHS ‘most experienced doctor is calling on those who have not yet received their COVID-19 booster vaccine to urgently come forward for their third vaccine.

NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said “there is no time to waste” for those who have yet to step up their protection as Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly across the UK.

It comes like COVID-19[female[feminine case in the country hit a record high on Friday, with 122,186 new infections reported.

“The evidence is clear. A jab or two can help, but they don’t offer the protection we all need from Omicron,” Professor Powis said.

“So if you are eligible for a COVID vaccination but haven’t had one, there is no time to waste – you need to be boosted now.”

More than 32 million boosters and third injections have been given as of December 23, with vaccination centers open throughout the holiday season – including Christmas Day in England – and more than a million appointments offered before the new year.

But around 10% of pre-booked vaccine appointments are missed, while hundreds of thousands of slots have remained vacant since the government announced. the acceleration of the booster program two weeks ago.

“The staff and volunteers of the NHS COVID vaccination program are working throughout Christmas and throughout the holiday season to make sure people can get the protection they need as easily as possible,” said the Professor Powis.

“You can go online and choose from thousands of vaccination sites to book an appointment without needing long lines.

“This is the best way to protect yourself and your family and friends, so my message to latecomers is clear: don’t delay, go ahead and sort your jab now.”

Thousands of people have already been forced to rearrange their refills due to rules that do not allow the administration of vaccines to those who have had the virus in the past 28 days.

Despite this, more than seven in ten eligible people aged 18 and over have now received a vaccination booster, according to NHS figures.

The Office for National Statistics said that 1.7 million people had coronavirus in the UK last week, which is the highest number recorded since fall 2020.

How COVID rules stack up in each of the UK’s four countries

Its data covers people who test positive for COVID-19 outside of a hospital or healthcare facility during the week ending December 19.

The number of people infected was highest in London, where most cases of the Omicron variant have been detected, at a rate of one in 20 people.