Everyone aged 40 and over is now being invited to book a life-saving coronavirus jab as the NHS vaccination programme continues to impress.

Nearly three quarters of a million appointments were made on 26-27 April as the NHS began inviting 44-year olds followed by people aged 42 and 43 by text. Now, text messages are being sent to 40 and 41-year-olds allowing them to arrange a jab at the click of a button through the national booking service.

Since the vaccination rollout began in December, more than 28 million people have been protected with at least one dose in England – nearly two thirds of the adult population.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “With nine tenths of people aged 45 and over having been jabbed, nearly three quarters of a million new appointments were made in just two days as our booking service opened to people aged 42 to 44. With second doses also proceeding apace, we’re now ready to invite all those aged 40 and over to join the most successful vaccination drive in health service history.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “The UK’s vaccination programme has been a phenomenal success so far, with more than 47 million doses administered and one of the highest uptake rates in the world. Building on this excellent progress we are now opening up vaccinations to 40 and 41 year olds. I got my jab yesterday and I urge everybody in these age groups to book a jab as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones from this dreadful disease.”

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the world leading medical regulator the MHRA.