The NHS is now inviting everyone aged 40 and over to book in for a COVID-19 vaccine
Text messages will be sent out to 40 and 41-year-olds today inviting them to book in for a COVID-19 vaccine through the national booking service.
Invitations will appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website which will allow them to reserve an appointment.
Nearly three-quarters of a million appointments were already made on Monday and Tuesday as the NHS began inviting 44-year olds followed by people aged 42 and 43.
Currently, the Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines are being used in the vaccination programme across more than 1,700 sites across the country.
Since the vaccination rollout began in December, the NHS has successfully vaccinated more than 28 million people with at least one dose and 11 million people with second doses.
NHS England Chief Executive, Sir Simon Stevens, said:
“With nine tenths of people aged 45 and over having been jabbed, nearly three-quarters of a million new appointments were made in just two days as our booking service opened to people aged 42 to 44.
“With second doses also proceeding apace, we’re now ready to invite all those aged 40 and over to join the most successful vaccination drive in health service history.”
NHS Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said:
“The rapid rollout of the NHS vaccination programme, the swiftest in Europe, is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our volunteers.
“If you receive a text inviting you for your jab, please follow the instructions provided and book – it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the virus.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said:
“The UK’s vaccination programme has been a phenomenal success so far, with more than 47 million doses administered and one of the highest uptake rates in the world.
“Building on this excellent progress we are now opening up vaccinations to 40 and 41 year olds. I got my jab yesterday and I urge everybody in these age groups to book a jab as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones from this dreadful disease.”
