Approximately half a million more people in England are being invited to book their coronavirus jab, as the vaccine rollout opens to 44-year-olds.

The Department of Health and Social Care says that two-thirds of the previous age group - 45 to 49-year-olds - have received their first dose, with the NHS saying that it would set out when 40 to 43-year-olds would be able to book appointments ‘in the coming days’, as supply allows.

The total number of vaccine doses given in the UK reached almost 46.3 million on 25 April, with a further 498,430 second doses and 142,215 first doses reported. It means that more than 33.6 million people have now received their first dose and almost 12.6 million are fully vaccinated.

Northern Ireland is opening its vaccination programme to people aged 35 to 39, while Wales has been asking over-40s to book appointments and Scotland has been inviting over-45s for vaccination.

The NHS is also launching a new TV advert to encourage under-50s to get vaccinated, featuring the slogan ‘every vaccination gives us hope’. Showing scenes from vaccination centres across the country, it aims to encourage over-50s to ensure they receive their second jab for the best possible protection, as well as predominantly seeking to encourage people aged under 50 who are being invited for their first dose.