A “record number” of coronavirus booster jabs were administered on Saturday, with more than 800,000 inoculations given in the past 72 hours, the NHS has said.

A total of 5.1 million third jabs have been given, with around half of people aged 50 and over – and those who are currently eligible – being given a dose.

Saturday was the biggest booster day on record, with 325,140 vaccines given.

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Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many coming forward to book in their vital vaccination.

“Getting your booster jab is essential and is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter – the vaccine is safe and effective so please do go online if you’re eligible or call 119 to book in for your lifesaving booster today.”

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COVID live: More than 325,000 people get booster jabs on record day in England

Earlier this week, people eligible for a booster were advised they could go online and book through the National Booking Service, even if they had not received an invitation by letter or test.

In the 24 hours following this announcement, more than 230,000 people booked their jab.

The rollout began on 16 September – two days after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a third vaccine six months after people had received their second dose.

Overall, nearly 85 million vaccines have been administered in England.

Currently, around 10 million people in England are eligible for the booster jab, including health and care workers, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 50 and over.

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Those eligible can book a booster at least six months and one week on from their second dose, in line with independent expert advice.

The NHS continues to vaccinate people aged 12 to 15 at schools and mass vaccination sites after the government accepted medical advice that the jab could be extended to people in this age group.

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