In a letter to local health organisations, the NHS has warned of a 'significant reduction in the weekly supply' of coronavirus vaccines in England next month.

The letter says there has been a 'reduction in national inbound vaccines supply' and asks organisations to 'ensure no further appointments are uploaded' to booking systems in April.

It has been reported that no-one who has booked a vaccine should lose a slot. When asked about it during a Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS regularly sent out 'technical letters' that explained the 'ups and downs' of supply.

The letter from the NHS in England says that 'over this next period it is vital' that health organisations focus on vaccinating those in the priority groups one to nine, who are most vulnerable to coronavirus.

It advises vaccination services to work with local authorities, voluntary community and faith organisations 'to put in place reserve lists' of people eligible for the vaccine - as well as targeting areas of lower uptake.

The NHS says vaccination centres and community pharmacy-led services should close unfilled bookings from the week commencing 29 March.

Despite the upcoming delays, Hancock maintains that the UK was 'ahead of schedule' to offer a first dose to all over-50s by 15 April. He also reiterated a commitment to ensuring that all adults in the UK are offered their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of July.