People aged 34 and 35 can book their coronavirus jab from 20 May, as the NHS vaccination programme continues rolling out to people in their thirties.

It means that more than one million more people will be eligible for a life-saving coronavirus jab, with NHS England saying that texts inviting people to book a vaccination will be sent to those aged 34 and 35 from 20 May and 21 May.

NHS England has also said that younger people in their thirties are expected to be invited over the next few days and weeks.

The latest wave of invitations comes as more than 1.5 million jab appointments were booked when the NHS opened up bookings to people in their thirties last week. Texts going out to 36 and 37 year olds over the last two days prompted 440,000 bookings through the national booking system on 18 May.

In total, the NHS has now delivered 48.5 million doses of the jab, and more than one third of adults have had both doses, meaning they have maximum protection from the virus.

Stephen Powis, National NHS Medical Director, said: “The success of the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination programme, the biggest in history, is not by accident but down to careful planning and precision by NHS staff who have now delivered 48.5 million doses across England in less than six months. Getting the vaccine is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against Covid-19, so when you’re called forward, book your appointment and join the tens of millions who have already been jabbed.”

Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our vaccination programme – the fastest and most successful in NHS history – moves forward at pace with 34 and 35 year olds now being invited for the jab. This is incredible news and means we remain on track to hit our target of offering a vaccine to all adults by the end of July.

“The vaccine is our way out of the pandemic and the key to getting back to normal. I’m delighted that 70 per cent of adults across the country have already been vaccinated with their first dose, and 40 per cent with their second. We have one of the highest uptake rates in the world but we’ll continue to do everything we can to make sure no one is left behind. Please come forward for the jab once you get the offer – it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”