England’s health department said on Monday that it will expand its COVID-19 booster vaccination program to cover 16- and 17-year-olds.

Until today, booster shots were only available to 16- and 17-year-olds who were most at risk from the coronavirus.

“More than four in five individuals in England have already been boosted, helping to protect them from serious sickness,” Sajid Javid, the British health minister, said in a statement.

“We are now expanding the program to 16- and 17-year-olds so they may boost their immunity this winter and protect themselves and their friends safe.”

Since the vaccination programme rolled out to the age group in August, more than 889,700 teenagers – or seven in 10 people aged 16 and 17 – have had their first dose and more than 600,000 have had their second.