The NHS is now inviting people aged 42 and 43 to book their covid vaccinations.
The NHS currently uses three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, all of which have been approved as safe and effective by medical regulator the MHRA.
NHS Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “Just two weeks after rolling out the vaccine to those aged 45 and over, we are now ready to invite those aged 42 and 43, as the largest vaccination programme in NHS history continues at speed.
“The rapid rollout of the NHS vaccination programme, the swiftest in Europe, hasn’t happened by accident – it is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our volunteers.
“If you receive a text inviting you to book in for your jab, please follow the instructions provided – it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the coronavirus.”
Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.
For online booking click here or call 119
Figures from Kent & Medway NHS for the vaccination programme in the county show:
Vaccines given -1,198,387
First dose
over 80 years 93,912
75-79 years 71,290
70-74 years 97,441
65-69 years 90,234
60-64 years 102,414
55-59 years 117,855
50-54 years 117,249
45-49 years 64,227
Under 45 years 159,227
Second dose
over 80 years 79,304
75-79 years 48,600
70-74 years 36,972
65-69 years 14,572
60-64 years 14,541
55-59 years 16,737
50-54 years 15,688
45-49 years 13,350
Under 45 years 44,774
Just been for my 2nd (in Folkstone) I was in and out almost as quickly as the needle was.
As the first time: really excellent stewards and so on to steer you through the system.
The vaccines are still on trial Andrew, so I wish you good luck.