Local people are urged to get their booster jab before New Year, as the NHS continues efforts to protect the region against the Omicron variant.

Over 512,000 people have taken up the offer of the booster across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire since it became available in November. This means 77% of eligible people have received their booster jab against a target of 80% by the end of the year. Whilst uptake of the Covid vaccination amongst minority ethnic groups has improved, there is still a gap between some white and non-white communities.

Vaccination centres are open every day this week and throughout the New Year bank holiday weekend and thousands of extra appointments have been made available to make sure everyone has the chance to get their booster vaccine or their first or second dose or third doses (for those with a weakened immune system) as soon as possible.

Walk-in vaccination services are on offer at a variety of centres including Bath Racecourse, Salisbury City Hall, Marlborough Leisure Centre, Bourne Retail Park in Salisbury and Steam Museum in Swindon. Details of locations and times are available at Search - Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site (www.nhs.uk) Appointments are also available to book online using the National Booking Service or by calling 119 for people who would prefer a guaranteed time slot and a choice of locations.

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group said; "There's been a fantastic response to our call for people to get jabbed but we know there are over 66,000 people in our area that are already due for their booster and can book now or bring forward their vaccination this week while we have appointments available. So please fit in the vital jab and make sure you are protected for the New Year.

"Our brilliant NHS teams and partners have pulled out all the stops to ensure we have plenty of capacity at our vaccination sites. So, if you've not yet had your booster, first or second dose, you are also encouraged to come forward and take advantage of the extra appointments available."

For more information on the local rollout of the Covid vaccine, visit www.bswccg.nhs.uk