Preston and Lancashire residents aged 34 and 35 to be invited for their first coronavirus vaccination

The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues its roll-out to people in their thirties, opening to people aged 34 and 35 from today (Thursday, 20 May).

Texts inviting people to book a vaccination will be sent to those aged 34 and 35 on 20 May or 21 May asking them to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

The texts will allow people to access the national booking service at the touch of a button and arrange an appointment at an NHS vaccination centre, pharmacy or GP vaccination site.

Younger people in their thirties are expected to be invited over the next few days and weeks.

Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Jane Scattergood said: “The rapid roll-out of the NHS vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our incredible volunteers.

“If you’re now eligible for the vaccine please do book your appointment as soon as possible, so that you can join the millions of others who are helping to protect themselves and others and continue our progress back towards a normal life.

NHS staff are still working hard to deliver the largest vaccination drive in history, at the same time as providing care for everyone who needs it. So, please play your part by not contacting the NHS to seek a vaccine if you are not eligible yet, you will be invited when it is your time.”

The government and the JCVI announced that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those aged 50 and over and the clinically vulnerable who have yet to receive theirs.

When invited, people will be able to book at one of the vaccination centre, pharmacy or general practice sites across the country that are available through the national booking service.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

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