NHS chief urges millions of Britons who are eligible for a Covid vaccine to book appointments NOW if they haven’t already had the jab
- During April NHS coronavirus vaccination teams will focus on second doses
- But appointments for all over-50s not yet protected will also be available
- NHS England data showed 4million vulnerable people still yet to get jabbed
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said that England was still ‘well on track’ to invite everyone in the top nine priority groups for a Covid vaccine by April 15
The boss of the NHS has urged all over-50s and younger people with health conditions who have yet to get their Covid vaccine to book an appointment now.
During April the NHS will focus on second doses but appointments for all over-50s not yet protected will also be available.
The most up-to-date NHS England data showed that at least 4million vulnerable people were still yet to get jabbed across the nation.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: ‘We’re well on track to meet our April 15 goal of offering NHS Covid vaccination to everyone aged 50 and over, as well as other high risk groups.
‘In just the past two weeks, we’ve now jabbed nearly 85 per cent of people aged 50-54, and over three million of the highest risk people have also now had their top-up second dose.’
NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, added: ‘Our fantastic staff, helped by local organisations and volunteers, have done everything in their power to jab millions of people at speed – an incredible achievement.
‘As we start to see signs of normal life returning – seeing family or friends outdoors – protecting those most at risk is even more important.
‘So, if you have not been jabbed and are eligible, please do book in – staff are working hard to protect as many as possible, as supply allows.
‘I had my jab a few weeks ago – it is easy, quick and effective.’
Those over 50 can book a vaccine via their GP or the central vaccine booking website. People who are clinically vulnerable or a health and care worker can contact their GP for an appointment.
It comes after the number of second doses of Covid vaccine outnumbered first doses for the first time yesterday.
A total of 270,526 second doses were registered on March 30, compared with 224,590 first doses, according to government figures. Previously the number of first jabs per day had always exceeded second jabs.
A total of 4.1million people in the UK are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, around one in 13 adults.