More than five million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been delivered across Cheshire and Merseyside – with over a million of those being boosters to protect people against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

In the last few weeks, the number of appointments and opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccine have almost doubled in Cheshire and Merseyside with pop-up sites, additional clinics at pharmacies and GP surgeries – as well as more availability at other vaccine sites.

The increase has come in the response to the Omicron variant and the aim to offer every adult in the country a booster. The push is supported by NHS staff, volunteers, the military and local firefighters and comes as the nation is invited to “Have a Jabby New Year” and come forward for the vaccine.

These two major milestones highlight the incredible efforts of the NHS and partners in Cheshire and Merseyside to further roll out the vaccination programme. It also shows the commitment of staff and volunteers in delivering the programme and further encouraging the public to get vaccinated and boosted.

Everyone in Cheshire and Merseyside who is eligible is urged to come forward for their first, second and booster dose, if they have not already done so. Those aged 18 or over can also come forward to be boosted if it is longer than 12 weeks since their second dose.

Director of vaccination for the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, Jayne Wood, said: “Breaking through the five million dose barrier is a huge achievement and gives us another opportunity to thank everyone involved in the vaccine programme for their hard work and dedication.

“In the last few weeks, we have considerably increased the amount of vaccine we are putting in people’s arms, as we push to get people boosted. We continue to work at pace to make everyone as safe from COVID-19 as we possibly can.

“This is not all about the numbers though, it is about people, our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and families, particularly if they are gathering together for the New Year. Each one of these doses makes a real difference to people’s lives and our whole community. The vaccine is, and always has been the best way to protect you against COVID-19.”

You can book a vaccine appointment online or call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

For more information about vaccination sites in Southport and Formby, visit: www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/get-informed/latest-news/walk-in-or-book-a-covid-19-vaccine