A county MP is urging residents to get a third dose of the Covid vaccine on ‘Booster Day’.

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Md Worcestershire, is encouraging local people to mark the one year anniversary of the first vaccination in the UK by getting their booster jab.

This comes as it has been revealed that 36,951 in his constituency have received a third dose, with efforts to protect vulnerable people during the winter being ramped up.

Mr Huddleston said: “It is thanks to the incredible effort and success of the vaccination programme that in just one year nearly 40,000 people in my constituency have received three Covid vaccine doses, which will offer life-saving protection to them and their loved ones this Winter.

“We want to keep making progress on boosting jabs and immunity. I encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine.

“Booster jabs will protect the progress we have made against the virus and ensure that we can all enjoy Christmas safely with our loved ones in the safe knowledge that we have taken the responsible steps to protect them from the virus.”

Evesham Journal: Margaret Keenan, the first person in the world to receive a Covid vaccine, had her booster jab in September (PA)Margaret Keenan, the first person in the world to receive a Covid vaccine, had her booster jab in September (PA)

The first Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was given to Margaret Keenan on December 8, 2020.

Since then, 115 million vaccine doses have been administered across the UK.

Nine in 10 people aged 12 and over have received at least one dose, almost 51 million people.

Additionally, one in three people have received a booster jab, around 18.6 million people in total – more than any country outside of China and the USA.

Last week, in response to the new Omicron variant, the Government announced that boosters would be made available to all over 18s with everyone eligible to be offered one by the end of January.

Furthermore, around 400 military personnel will be called upon to support the drive.

Health Secretary, and MP for Bromsgrove, Sajid Javid said: “I’m incredibly proud of our phenomenal COVID-19 vaccination programme.

“In under a year we have administered more than 115 million doses across the UK, saving countless lives and giving us a powerful weapon to fight this devastating virus.

“The battle is not yet over and we are working around the clock to boost the booster programme even further to maximise immunity following the emergence of the Omicron variant.”

He added: “It is absolutely crucial everybody comes forward for their vaccines and booster jabs as soon as you are eligible so we can strengthen our wall of defence against COVID-19 and enjoy Christmas safely with our families and loved ones this year.”