More than four million Brits will be invited to get variant-busting Covid booster jabs next week.
Care home residents, staff and people who are housebound will be first in line for top-up doses from Monday in a bid to protect the most vulnerable this winter.
NHS workers will visit hundreds of care homes in the first week of the Autumn booster drive, with thousands more planned in September and October.
Around four million others, including the over 75s and those with weakened immune systems, will also be eligible to book a vaccine through the National Booking Service from Monday, with the first appointments available from the following week.
A record 3,100 sites are expected to be part of the rollout, including GP practices and community pharmacies.
Health chiefs have urged everyone eligible to take up their jabs amid fears the NHS will face a resurgence in Covid-19 cases and flu during the colder months.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “While we know that this winter will be challenging with a likely resurgence in both covid and flu for the first time since before the pandemic, the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones from serious illness is to get the newly approved, next generation covid vaccine when invited to do so, as well as your annual flu jab, to ensure you have maximum protection.”
NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell added: “NHS staff are gearing up once again to deliver these vaccines at speed, rolling out jabs at more than 3,000 sites across England in order to provide the maximum protection ahead of winter.”
More than four in five of those eligible took up their Spring booster earlier this year.
Around 26 million people - including all over 50s - will be offered an Autumn booster in the coming months.
The NHS will contact people when it is their turn to book.
The health service is also rolling out a winter flu jab and some may be offered both jabs at the same time, depending on supply.
