People are being urged to walk in and ‘Grab A Jab’ this week as a record number of walk-in sites have become available.

The NHS is kick-starting a week of walk-ins with a record 1,800 sites now available for people to conveniently grab their life-saving jab this week as the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme continues to protect the nation.

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, walk in sites include: The Forest Recreation Ground, The Mansfield Vaccination Centre, King’s Mill Hospital Vaccination Hub, Riverside Vaccination Site in Bulwell, The Well Pharmacy in Radcliffe on Trent, Acorn Pharmacy in Jacksdale, Whistlers Pharmacy in Newark, Hawtonville Pharmacy in Newark and the Lifespring Centre in New Ollerton.

Across the country, around 6.5 million people are overdue their booster by six weeks, which is considered “clinically late”, while around 1.7 million people are more than 20 weeks late.

Since the start of December, more than four million people in England have tested positive for Covid-19 and would have been unable to get their booster for at least 28 days in line with JCVI guidance, but anyone testing positive before the 20th December is now able to get that vital booster this week.

Local health bosses are keen to remind the public that the booster dramatically increases protection against Omicron and is vital for protecting yourself and your loved ones from covid and any dangers posed by long covid, even if you have recently had Covid.

Amanda Sullivan, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG’s Accountable Officer, said:“There are a number of walk-in sites available across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this week as the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme makes it as easy and convenient as possible for people to get protected.

“In the county and city, 62.9 per cent of over 18s have the best possible protection after receiving a booster jab but we still have more work to do to make sure everyone is as protected as they can be.

“We know that more than seven million people in the country are overdue their booster by at least four weeks and while many of these people may have had covid, it is still absolutely crucial that people get their booster after those 28 days have lapsed in order to increase your protection to reinfection and the dangers of long covid.

“I’d urge anyone yet to come forward for their booster, or their first or second dose, to check where their nearest site is online and get protected now.”

You must wait 28 days after testing positive for Covid before getting your next dose. Children are advised to wait 12 weeks.

UK Health Security Agency data demonstrates the great protection two doses offer, whilst not enough to completely stop the surge of Omicron, adding an additional third dose prevents around 75 per cent of people from getting any COVID symptoms.

The NHS is also this week inviting eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to get their booster as well as those at risk between 12 and 15.

Find your nearest walk-in clinic and check opening times here.