Coalville Community Hospital will be holding another walk-in vaccination clinic this weekend (Jan 22-23).

The clinic is for first, second or booster doses and is open between 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Broom Leys Road hospital.

People are also being urged to Grab A Jab this weekend, with an increased number of walk-in sites for the covid vaccine available across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), including mobile clinics at new locations.

It is all part of the national drive to get more people vaccinated, with a record 1,800 sites nationally now on the Grab A Jab website, for people to conveniently grab their life-saving jab, as the NHS Vaccination Programme continues to help protect the nation.

New clinic locations this week include the ones at Coalville Hospital.

More than 2.2 million doses of the Covid vaccine have been given to people in LLR and 89 per cent of eligible people have had at least one dose of the vaccine.

However, around 1 in 10 people have still not had their first vaccine dose.

Dr Caroline Trevithick, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: "Our local Covid vaccination clinics are a quick and easy way to get vaccinated, whether you are due for your 1st, 2nd, 3rd or booster jab.

"We've arranged the clinics in popular locations to make vaccinations accessible for everyone who is eligible. If you're out shopping at the location of one of our mobile clinics, you may spot our vaccination van, and we are also back at Highcross

jab.

"If you're due a booster, it's important to know that having the booster jab dramatically increases protection against Omicron, so you need to come forward and get that vital top-up dose.

"It is vital for protecting yourself and your loved ones from Covid and any dangers posed by long Covid, even if you have previously tested positive.

"No appointments are necessary – just turn up to give yourself the best protection against the virus."

Around 6.9 million people in England are four or more weeks late for their booster, and around 1.5 million people are overdue their booster by six weeks, which is considered "clinically late".

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 suffering with any Covid symptoms.

The NHS is also this week inviting eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to get their booster as well as children aged 12 to 15 if they are extremely clinically vulnerable, or if they live with an adult who is extremely clinically vulnerable

If you are aged 12 and over you are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

The process for getting your vaccination, the type of vaccine you will be offered and the number of doses you will receive depends on your age or any health conditions you may have.

• People aged 18 and over (or turning 18 within 3 months) can get their first dose of the vaccine, followed by the second dose eight weeks later.

• People aged 16 to 17 (or turning 16 within 3 months) can get their first dose of the vaccine, followed by the second dose twelve weeks later.

• Children aged 12 to 15 are offered two doses of the vaccine. They can get their first dose of the vaccine, followed by the second dose twelve weeks later.

• A third 'top-up' dose is offered to those aged over 12 who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose. You will be contacted by the NHS if you need a third dose, please bring proof of your eligibility if you attend a clinic for this dose.

• The COVID-19 booster vaccine ensures you have continued protection over the winter. You can have a booster if:

• You are aged 12 to 15 and you are are extremely clinically vulnerable, or if you live with an adult who is extremely clinically vulnerable