New figures show that 50 per cent of all teens aged 16 and 17 have had their first coronavirus jab, just four weeks after the green light was given for this age group.

More than 620,000 young adults aged 16 and 17 in England have now been jabbed, with England’s top GP urging teenagers to ‘grab their jab’ as the new school term starts and they return to school or college.

More than 1.3 million visits have been made to the online Grab-A-Jab finder since teenagers became eligible.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead for NHS England’s vaccination programme, said: “Uptake among young people continues to be strong and thanks to the non-stop efforts of NHS staff and volunteers, half of all 16 and 17 year olds have had their vaccine since becoming eligible last month, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.

“As school and college terms are due to start back shortly, it is really important that young people continue to come forward for their life-saving vaccine and visit the NHS Grab-a-jab finder to find a convenient site, with walk-in vaccinations taking place at nightclubs, university campuses and places of worship this weekend. It has never been easier to drop in and get your vaccine: it is safe, effective and will provide vital protection for you and your family and friends.”

NHS staff have now delivered more than 75 million doses, since the NHS in England administered the first jab outside of clinical trials in December 2020.