The NHS is texting millions of vulnerable people urging them to get a life-saving coronavirus jab as the vaccination programme continues to accelerate.

The messages are part of a renewed drive to protect those with underlying conditions such as diabetes and some forms of cancer.

GPs have already been inviting those with the conditions from their patient lists. However, now the NHS is texting them with a link that enables them to arrange a jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service at the touch of a button.

Texts include a web link for those eligible to click and reserve an appointment at one of more than 300 large-scale vaccination centres or pharmacies across England.

More than 19 million people across England have now received a vaccination.

Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: “We’re sending out around two million NHS text invitations over the weekend as more vaccine supplies come online next week. Bookings are booming, with a record number of NHS Covid jabs arranged through our national service last weekend when over one million appointments were made.”