Invitations to get a coronavirus vaccine are landing on the doormats of all 16 and 17 year olds in a further effort to boost take-up in this age group.

Over 360,000 people aged 16 and 17 have already had their jab – which includes those who were eligible previously eligible due to an underlying health condition, with more than 125,000 getting their jab in the two weeks since the NHS was given the green light to offer all 16 and 17 years olds the life-saving jab.

From 19 August, 16 and 17 year olds will begin receiving letters, inviting them to come to their nearest walk-in centre with many already receiving invitations from their GP and taking up the offer. Follow-up text messages are being sent out on 20 August to ensure NHS staff are vaccinating 16 and 17-year-olds as quickly as possible ahead of their return to school.

NHS staff have delivered well over 74 million doses, since the NHS in England administered the first jab in December 2020, and more 34 million adults are have now received both jabs.

Professor Sir Keith Willett, head of the Covid-19 Vaccination programme in England, said: “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of NHS staff, and the teenagers who have already come forward for their jabs, the NHS has administered more than 125,000 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to 16 and 17-year olds, protecting themselves, their families, and their friends from the virus.

“The vaccine is safe and effective with nearly nine in 10 adults already taking up the offer, and I would urge anyone eligible, especially those 16 and 17 year olds heading back into education or training, to get their life-saving jab.”