HEALTH professionals and volunteers have delivered just shy of 400,000 Covid-19 third dose and booster jabs across Dorset.

A total of 397,618 third dose and booster vaccines have been administered across the county since the booster programme started on September 16.

This comes after the government announcement it would roll out the programme to all over 18s by the end of the year. 

Dorset CCG has ramped up its operations in past few weeks, giving 66,000 doses between December 13 and 19 - compared to 42,000 the previous week.

The incredible effort of NHS staff and volunteers has been unprecedented and as we get closer to Christmas the programme shows no signs of slowing down. 

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In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 307,120 first doses have been administered, as of 4pm on Tuesday, December 21.

There have been 285,273 second doses given in the BCP council area plus 180,357 booster and third doses. 

In wider Dorset, NHS staff and volunteers have administered 316,060 first doses,  297,167 second doses and 217,261 third doses or boosters. 

More than 1.5million jabs given in total in Dorset

This means a staggering 1,603,238 jabs have been put in people's arms across the county.

Meanwhile the New Forest has seen a total of 392,671 jabs given - 147,637 first doses, 138,530 second doses and 106,504 third or booster jabs.

Health chiefs are advising people to book vaccinations using the NHS National booking system, with new appointments being added all the time.

Once capacity and bookings are assessed each day, last minute walk-in availability may be available at some sites. Health and care organisations will release these on social media @DorsetHealth and @DorsetCCG.