NHS vaccine programme opens to all adults

More than one million jab appointments were booked since the NHS vaccination programme opened for every adult in England.

People rushed to book 1,008,472 appointments in just two days – an average of more than 21,000 every hour, or six every second – on Friday and Saturday.

The figure does not include appointments made through local GP-led vaccination services or people getting jabbed at walk-in centres.

NHS bosses are urging people to book their appointment without delay as the health service enters the final push to protecting the country against the virus.

From walk in services at sports grounds, including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Stamford Bridge as well as Ashton Gate and St Helen’s Rugby Ground, to pop up clinics at universities such as in York and Canterbury, NHS staff are pulling out the stops to offer convenient jab appointments.

The NHS in England has delivered 62 million vaccinations just six months after making history when Margaret Keenan received the first jab outside of a clinical trial in Coventry.

Four in five adults have now received their first dose of the jab, and with three in five already fully vaccinated after receiving two doses.

The NHS is contacting people aged 40 and over to bring forward their second dose in line with updated JCVI advice with the NHS booking service now showing earlier time slots available for those who are eligible to rebook.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive said: “The NHS COVID vaccination programme continues in full swing as the finishing line comes into sight.

“It is fantastic to see so many young people coming forward to play their part, protecting themselves, their friends and their family – nearly nine million people in their twenties and thirties have now had their first dose.

“NHS staff are pulling out all the stops to get jabs in arms with pop-up sites in shopping centres and mass events at football stadiums all adding to the huge network of services that have now delivered more than 62 million lifesaving jabs.

“After vaccinating those at greatest risk, all adults are now eligible. So if you have not had your jab yet don’t delay, book it today, and if you are contacted to rebook your second dose, please book in – it is easier than ever to arrange and will give you maximum protection from the virus.”

All adults can book at one of the 1,600 vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice sites across the country that are available through the national booking service. Vaccination centres are also available in convenient locations such as mosques, museums and football stadiums.