HEALTH bosses have urged residents to remain patient and get their booster jabs despite queues plaguing online booking systems.

Monday saw a rush for coronavirus jabs which resulted in the NHS website crashing, leaving many unable to secure a vaccination slot.

The booking rush was sparked by Boris Johnson's announcement the Government would be accelerating the booster vaccine program ahead of Christmas.

“Please be aware that the booster booking service is currently facing extremely high demand and is now operating a queueing system. If you're unable to book now, please try again later today or tomorrow,” said Essex’s director of public health Dr Mike Gogarty, who urged residents to remain patient and make sure they get their jabs booked before visiting family over the festive period.

Southend councillor Anne Jones lamented the timing of the Prime Minister’s announcement.

“To announce at eight o’clock that from tomorrow everybody should be getting boosters put everyone in a difficult spot,” she said.

“That is a lot to expect overnight, so of course there have been queues as a result, with pharmacies also inundated for tests.”

Ms Jones added the council was running pop-up vaccination events across the borough to boost immunity after it was revealed last week that Omicron was present in the area.

As of Monday morning, Southend’s director of public health Krishna Ramkhelawon had confirmed five cases of the variant in the borough – which has now claimed at least one life in the UK according to the Prime Minister.

“All appropriate actions have already been taken and there is no need for further action by the general public other than to follow the new national measures and take responsibility for wearing face coverings, hand washing, sanitising and ventilating if meeting indoors,” Mr Ramkhelawon said.

He added: “I also encourage all those eligible to get their booster jab and test regularly.”

A booster is available to everyone aged 18 or over from this week as long as the second dose was at least three months ago.

Over-30s can already book a booster online and, from Wednesday, this will be extended to over-18s.