Elderly and vulnerable people have been urged to get their Covid-19 booster jabs as part of a "national mission" to help dodge a restricted Christmas.
Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, said that "if we all come together and play our part" then the country can "avoid a return to restrictions".
So far, almost 10 million people in the UK have received a top-up jab, but the Department of Health and Social Care said that around 30 per cent of over-80s and 40 per cent of over 50s in England are still yet to receive the booster shot.
People over 50 and those most at risk from Covid-19 are eligible for a booster six months after their second jab, with 3 million more people in England being invited to have their booster jabs next week.
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Mr Javid said: "We know immunity begins to wane after six months, especially for the elderly and the vulnerable, and booster vaccines will top-up their protection to keep people safe over the winter."
He added that younger relatives should urge eligible parents and grandparents to take up both the offer of a booster and a flu vaccine.
Javid said: "Almost 10 million people in the UK have received their Covid-19 booster and third jabs, a phenomenal achievement in under two months.
“As we approach this milestone, I want to thank those who have come forward and urge everybody across the nation to get vaccinated, get protected and get boosted."
He went on: “I strongly urge everybody who is eligible for a Covid-19 booster or flu vaccine to take up the offer as soon as you can.
“For those not yet eligible, please help your parents, grandparents or vulnerable loved ones get their jabs, it could save their life.
“And if you haven’t yet had your first and second vaccines, it is not too late, the NHS will always be there to welcome you with open arms.
“This truly is a national mission. If we all come together and play our part, we can get through this challenging winter, avoid a return to restrictions and enjoy Christmas.”
It is possible that in the future, a third jab could become a requirement to avoid travel restrictions - a move which is expected to further drive the uptake of boosters.
Government guidelines state that people who are 50 and over, or aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of contracting Covid-19, and had their second dose six months ago are eligible to get their booster.
By next week, 16 million invitations will have been sent since the NHS booster programme began.
