More than a million people in England have only had one Covid-19 vaccine, the NHS has said as it encouraged people to come forward for their second jab.

Last week more than 200,000 Covid-19 vaccines were given to people getting their second jab, NHS England said.

More than half of these (55%) had delayed getting their second dose for five or more weeks after becoming eligible for it.

The health service has urged people who have delayed getting their second jab to come forward.

It is estimated that around 1.1 million adults in England have only had their first dose and have not yet received their second dose, even though they are now eligible.

More than 40 million people have received both doses of the vaccine in England.

NHS England said that the offer of vaccine is “evergreen” and pointed out that last week more than 65,000 people got their first Covid-19 shot.

Dr Emily Lawson, vaccination lead for the NHS in England, said: “The offer of a Covid-19 jab in the NHS vaccination programme is evergreen and it is fantastic that we have now given two or more doses to 40 million people across England, including 205,000 last week alone.

“We know people are busy and over half of people put off having their second dose in the run-up to Christmas.

“NHS staff are making it as easy as possible for people to get the vaccine in their local communities and it’s never too late to get any of your doses of protection – whether it’s first, second or third.

“Vaccination continues to be our best protection against serious illness, so I encourage anybody who isn’t vaccinated or is still to get their second dose to come forward without delay to get the best protection on offer against coronavirus.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid added: “I am incredibly proud of our phenomenal vaccination programme, from NHS frontline staff and volunteers, to the armed forces and British public, who have done everything they can to get jabs into arms as quickly as possible.

“Every one of us has a part to play in the national mission to make sure we’re all protected.

“The offer of a vaccine will always be there – whether it’s your first dose, second dose or your booster – please keep coming forward.”