Half of adults in the UK have now had a Covid-19 booster dose after the programme was accelerated this week in the face of Omicron.

       A total of 26.3 million people aged 18 and over have received a vaccine top-up.

       The Government said the milestone makes the UK’s booster rollout one of the fastest in the world.

       On Twitter, Boris Johnson said: “A record day for vaccinations yesterday with an incredible 936,480 people coming forward.

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       “That means 50% of adults have now received a booster dose. Our NHS is working flat out getting lifesaving booster jabs into arms. Please play your part and Get Boosted Now.”

       This week, online bookings opened to all adults alongside walk-in sites across the country including at many hospitals, pharmacies, pop-ups and football stadiums.

       A total of 750 armed forces personnel have been drafted in to join tens of thousands of volunteers to support the booster deployment.