A top aide of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to the NHS to lead the latest vaccination drive as the government faces pressure to curb rising Covid-19 cases in England.

Emily Lawson, who oversaw the vaccine rollout from last November as NHS head of transformation and corporate operations, was seconded by Downing St in April to head a new unit to deliver government policy.

But on Friday the NHS announced she would be back in charge of vaccines with Covid infections exceeding 50,000 in one day last week.

The government hopes to accelerate the take-up of vaccine boosters as immunity wanes among those who received their second jab more than six months ago.

First doses for children from 12 to 15 can now be booked online.

Dr Lawson, a molecular biologist by training, said, “The next phase of the vaccination programme is extremely important – we know that the vaccine is helping us to save lives and so we must focus all of our efforts on rolling out the booster campaign to everyone eligible, as well as ensuring that everyone who has not yet had their first jab, including young people, get the chance to come forward.”

In April, she told the JC that her sense of “Jewish responsibility” had grown more important to her over time and spoke of the influence of the teachings of Lord Sacks.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said, "It’s great news that Emily has agreed to return to lead the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme as our response to the pandemic enters another crucial phase.

“Vaccines are a key line of defence against COVID and Emily’s wealth of experience, skill and her knowledge of the programme will be a huge asset as we prepare for winter.”

The government has so far resisted calls for tougher measures to tackle the virus from scientists and medical organisations who want it restore compulsory mask-wearing and encourage people to work from home.