Millions of Brits told book your Covid vaccine now without delay, by NHS chief

MILLIONS of people have been urged to book their Covid jab without delay by NHS chiefs.

They said protection from the virus as some lockdown restrictions are eased is crucial.

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AFP

People getting their vaccines in Derby Arena at Pride Park, March 31[/caption]

Anyone who is eligible – in the top nine priority groups – and has not yet had their Covid jab, should do so.

It includes anyone over the age of 50, people with certain medical conditions regardless of age, those who live with a vulnerable adult and NHS and social care workers, including in hospitals and care homes.

The uptake of the vaccine has been staggeringly high.

However, there are still some people who have fallen through the cracks, and must get jabbed immediately.

Some 15 per cent of people aged between 50 and 54 are yet to get their vaccine.

And around 10 per cent of all residents in England over 70 years are yet to get a dose, according to Office for National Statistics figures. 

Sir Simon said: “We’re well on track to meet our 15th April 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.”

You can book a coronavirus jab by using the NHS website or calling 119 free of charge.

There are 300 vaccination centres or pharmacies to choose from, as well as 1,600 sites led by doctors or pharmacies. 

The NHS is also inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text, with some GPs also calling unvaccinated patients personally to encourage uptake.

A real NHS jab invite text will appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, as officials have warned of scammers. 

NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, the second dose roll out of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca Covid vaccines is moving forward.

Second doses are delivered 12 weeks after people got their first jab and offers the optimal level of protection. 

People who had their first jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service should already have a date for their second dose. Those who had it at a GP surgery will be called back.

During April the NHS is also beginning to focus on getting second doses into the arms of people who had their first dose, while vaccine shortages mean the first dose rollout will slow down.

However, the NHS has said even with lower supplies through April, those in the nine priority groups who have not had their vaccine can still get one. 

Figures show the NHS has jabbed over 26 million people across England since the first jab was given to Maggie Keenan on December 8.

The NHS made history when 90-year-old Maggie was the first recipient in the world outside a clinical trial of a Pfizer vaccine at Coventry Hospital.

Brian Pinker, 82, was the first person to be vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on January 4 by the NHS in Oxford, where the jab was created.