The NHS coronavirus vaccination programme has continued its rollout to people in their thirties, opening to people aged 36 and 37 from 18 May.

Texts inviting people to book a vaccination will be sent to those aged 37 on 18 May and to 36 year olds on 19 May. The texts will allow people to access the national booking service at the touch of a button and arrange an appointment at an NHS vaccination centre, pharmacy or GP vaccination site.

The move to the next age group comes as more than 930,000 appointments were made in the days since the vaccination programmes opened to 38 and 39 year olds. More than three out of four people aged 40 to 49 – over five and a half million people – have also received a vital first dose of protection.

The government and the JCVI announced that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those aged 50 and over who have yet to received theirs.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our phenomenal vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength, with the UK having one of the highest uptake rates in the world and almost 57 million doses administered so far.

“I’m thrilled people aged 36 and 37 can book their appointments from tomorrow and I urge everybody to take up the offer as soon as you’re eligible. Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and we can beat it together by getting our jabs.”