GPs are being offered £10 for every care home resident they vaccinate by NHS England in an effort to increase Covid jabs administer in care homes.

NHS England is aiming to reach the majority of those deemed the top priority for the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of January, and are now offering cash incentives to doctors in a drive to get full coverage in care homes.

Between December 8 and 27, 786,000 people have received a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 jab, according to NHS England's latest figures.

Of these, 524,439 have been given to the over 80s, about 20 per cent of people in that age group.

NHS staff will now also be prioritised following the approval yesterday of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, it added.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: “Three-quarters of a million people have now received the Pfizer vaccine thanks to the tireless efforts of NHS staff who have given up time with their families over Christmas to deliver vaccines at the same times as treating record numbers of seriously-ill patients with Covid-19.

“As we head into the New Year with a second vaccine that is also more versatile, we will be able to expand the programme and ensure that the majority of care home residents are protected within the next four weeks or so.

“It is also great news that we will be able to begin vaccinating NHS staff serving on the frontline to protect them against coronavirus.”