Commenting on the announcement that a further COVID-19 booster vaccination for the most vulnerable will be offered from spring, Chris Hopson said:

"The vaccination programme has been hugely important in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.

"The efforts of trusts and frontline staff have been key to this success, working alongside so many colleagues, for example in primary care, local government, the military and of course thousands of volunteers.

"The NHS will once again rise to the challenge of delivering a further booster campaign.

"Trusts will need to know what is expected of them as they contribute to this important ongoing effort, recognising the huge challenges they already face."