New milestone in NHS vaccination programme reached

NHS England has announced that the first Moderna jabs will be delivered in England as the NHS vaccination programme reaches another milestone.

For those aged 18-29 who are eligible for a jab, the Moderna vaccine provides another alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine, in line with recently updated MHRA guidance. More than 20 sites, including Reading’s Madejski Stadium and the Sheffield Arena, will initially use the newest vaccine, as the NHS continues to expand the vaccination programme.

So far, more than 27 million people in England have now received their first jab, with more than 6.1 million second jabs also being given.

Moderna can be stored for 30 days at normal fridge temperatures, but should it need to be stored for longer it can last for six months at -20C. Along with Pfizer, it will be used by the NHS for some of the appointments rearranged for under 30s who were due to receive the AstraZeneca jab.

Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: “The Moderna rollout marks another milestone in the vaccination programme. We now have a third jab in our armoury and NHS staff will be using it at more than 20 sites from this week, with more coming online as supplies expand.

“England’s vaccination programme is our hope at the end of a year like no other, so please do come forward and get your jab when you’re invited. It is safe, quick and effective – it will protect you and your loved ones.”