Responding to NHS England's announcement that the new COVID-19 booster vaccine will roll out from early September, interim deputy chief executive of NHS Providers Miriam Deakin said: "Vital COVID-19 boosters and flu jabs this autumn reduce risk of serious illness, which would heap more pressure on an overstretched NHS.

"As before, hard-working NHS staff will roll up their sleeves to make another mass vaccination programme a success, while continuing to work flat out to bring down waiting lists and treat patients as quickly as possible in the face of ever-growing demand.

"While recent drops in COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions are encouraging, the virus can still cause serious illness and still leads to thousands of NHS staff absences. Trust leaders are staying vigilant about the need to protect vulnerable patients, and realistic about the impact of potential waves of COVID-19 and flu this winter.

"Existing pressures and workloads across much of the NHS make it feel like the middle of a very tough winter already, especially in busy A&E departments and as the NHS strives to bear down on care backlogs. Health services will be focused on how best to reach and support people who may have doubts about getting this important booster protection."