Health Secretary Sajid Javid has called on the public to get the booster vaccine before spending time with their loved ones this Christmas.
Mr Javid said it was "absolutely crucial" that the public "top-up" their immunity before the holidays. The NHS website currently says only over 40s, those aged over 16 with health conditions and frontline workers can book in for a booster.
But the booster programme is expected to ramp up substantially in the weeks before Christmas. It is expected booking criteria will change no later than December 13.
A total of 19.8 million people had received their third jab by December 4, while more than 51 million have had their first dose and almost 46.5 million their second.