** Please do not contact your GP practice asking about booster availability – local plans are still being made, and we cannot provide any further information than below **

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year in a race to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some vaccination sites may also offer a walk-in service for 18s and over from tomorrow, if they have spare capacity.

As the most complex and challenging phase of the rollout expands even further and faster, the NHS has asked every local area to dramatically increase the number of appointments they have in place for vaccinations.

Over the next week, opening hours for vaccine centres will be extended and every area of the country should have centres available that are open seven days a week – with many more appointments being made available at both existing and new vaccination centres.

GP teams will be asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximum capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside continuing to deliver all critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care.

This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed for a few weeks as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

NHS chiefs are urging people to not delay their booster and book their jab in the run up to the Christmas break.

The best way to get your booster quickly is by booking online now at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119. You can also check for your nearest local drop-in clinics on the booking system too.

The system is currently very busy, but please be patient and keep checking back as more appointments are being made available all the time.