The NHS vaccination programme will start inviting remaining adults for their coronavirus jabs from 8 June, the six month anniversary of administering the world-first approved jab.
NHS England has said that the last group of adults will begin to be called forward for the first time, with around three million people aged between 25 and 29 getting invited to book their first dose, with texts being sent from 8 June and national booking services updated at 7am.
NHS staff have now delivered 57.5 million lifesaving first doses to more than 75 per cent of the adult population. Additionally, more than half of adults are now fully vaccinated giving them maximum possible protection from coronavirus.
Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “Tomorrow is a watershed moment as the world-beating NHS vaccination programme enters the home straight of our race to offer everyone their first dose. The NHS vaccination programme is a real team effort and it is a testament to NHS teams across the country, that we are able to open up to people in their twenties just six months on from delivering that world first jab to Maggie Keenan.
“The tireless efforts of NHS staff to protect the people they care for and their communities has quite simply saved lives, and when you get the text, you’re next. Getting the lifesaving Covid-19 jab is the most important thing you can do, with NHS staff vaccinating at over 1,600 sites including vaccine buses, places of worship, sport stadiums and other convenient locations. So, when you get that text, book your appointment and join the millions who are already protected.”
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “Every day brings with it another exciting milestone in our vaccination programme – the largest and most successful in NHS history. The vaccine is saving lives and preventing hospitalisations. Two weeks after we extended the invite to all over 30s, we are now extending the offer to everyone aged 25 and over.
“We have one of the highest uptake rates in the world with over half of the UK population having the fullest possible protection from two doses, and over three quarters receiving at least one dose. The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic so when you get the call, get the jab.”
