Responding to the letter from NHS England on next steps for vaccination deployment, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"The vaccination programme has played a critical role in preventing deaths and infection from COVID-19 and while it will be a huge logistical challenge to expand and accelerate the booster programme, the NHS has repeatedly shown it can adapt quickly to keep people safe from the virus.

"Today's guidance outlines how trusts will play a key role in this vital acceleration. More hospitals will become vaccination hubs. They will vaccinate a larger number, and wider range, of health and care staff. And they will also start vaccinating patients as well. This is alongside the vital co-ordinating role that many community trusts are playing in their systems. Everyone involved will be going as fast as they can to jab as many people as possible.

"The challenge for trusts is that this expanded vaccination campaign will need to be delivered alongside tackling rising waiting lists and very high levels of emergency care demand at a time of huge workforce pressures and as we enter the NHS' busiest time of the year. But every NHS leader is aware of the vital importance of delivering boosters to everyone eligible as quickly as possible."