Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the local variations in delays to people in all eligible groups receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccination.

The Department and the National Health Service continue to monitor the pace of the COVID-19 booster vaccination programme and work closely with regional teams to ensure those eligible have timely access to appointments. The NHS assesses any potential delays to the programme, including between different local areas.

The National Booking Service has now been updated to allow those eligible to pre-book their booster vaccination five months after their second dose. As of 13 November 2021, more than 12.6 million people in the United Kingdom had received their booster vaccination or third dose, helping to ensure the vital protection is maintained over the winter months.