he Covid vaccine rollout is now open to 44-year-olds, meaning about half a million more people in England are being invited to book their jabs from today.
It comes following the news that two-thirds of the previous age group – 45 to 49-year-olds – have already received their first dose.
The NHS said it would set out when 40 to 43-year-olds would be able to book appointments “in the coming days” in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and as supplies allow.
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “Thanks to NHS staff, people aged 45-49 have been hot on the heels of millions of people most at risk who were quick to take up the offer of a vaccine with more than two thirds getting their lifesaving jab, marking another medically important milestone in the biggest vaccination campaign in NHS history.
“When the time comes, and you get that text, book an appointment to get your vaccine – it is the best protection you and your loved ones will receive from this deadly virus.”
NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: “It is testament to the hard work of NHS staff that we are now able to vaccinate people in the next age group.
“If you are aged 44, when you are invited to do so, please do book your jab as appointments become available – it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the coronavirus.”
It is the first time that the vaccine rollout in England has been extended by a single year group – previously the age-based approach to the programme had offered the jab to people in age brackets.
It comes as a TV advert is launched to encourage under-50s to get vaccinated.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the campaign will predominantly be aimed at people under the age of 50 who will be offered their first dose, as well as the over-50s who are booked in for their second dose, to encourage vaccine uptake.
The campaign – called “every vaccination gives us hope” – will also run across radio, multi-cultural media, social media and on billboards across Manchester, Liverpool and London.
The 60-second advert, which will make its debut during Emmerdale on ITV on Monday at 7.15pm, will feature a cover of Dinah Washington’s What a Difference a Day Makes recorded by songwriter and artist Shells.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines are helping us get back to doing the things we have missed – they protect you and those around you.
“This campaign is a remarkable and poignant reminder of everything we’ve been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to – as well as the tireless efforts of our volunteers, NHS heroes and the British people.
“Every vaccination gives us hope and I urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccine when it comes, as we continue on the path back to normality.”
The total number of vaccine doses given in the UK reached almost 46.3 million on Sunday, with a further 498,430 second doses and 142,215 first doses reported.
More than 33.6 million people have now received their first dose and almost 12.6 million are fully vaccinated.
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
