The importance of vaccination is being reiterated by public health chiefs ahead of the festive season, as changes to vaccine eligibility come into effect.

With the holiday period just over a month away, people still in need of the Covid-19 vaccine are being urged to get jabbed as soon as possible to ensure they're protected during Christmas and New Year.

Young people aged 16 and 17 are now entitled to a second dose of the vaccine 12 weeks after their first, while people aged 40 and over can now get their booster jab six months after their second dose. Those aged 12 to 15 remain eligible for a single dose of the vaccine.

Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care, Dr Johnny McMahon, said: "Recent case surges in Europe show that the situation can change very quickly and being protected through vaccination is absolutely vital. The success of the national vaccine programme means that we go into winter with the majority of the population vaccinated against Covid, but it's so important that those remaining get their vaccine to get protected against the serious health complications this virus could cause them."

Director for Health and Care, Dr Richard Harling, echoed the call for people to get protected ahead of the festive season: "We are now only a few weeks away from Christmas where we will likely see more people travelling and mixing with loved ones which will give coronavirus more chance to spread. Taking up the offer of a vaccine will help to protect yourself against Covid so please get your vaccine as soon as possible."

People can book a vaccine appointment on www.nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine or by contacting 119.