Those aged 38 and 39 in Preston and Lancashire to receive text for first Covid vaccine

Today (Thursday, 13 May) the Covid vaccination programme has opened to those aged 38 and 39.

People in this age group will be sent text messages that will allow them to access the national booking service.

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The move to the next age group comes alongside nearly three-quarters of people aged between 40 and 49 having had their first dose, less than a fortnight after they were offered a jab.

Since the vaccination rollout began in December, nearly 30 million people have been vaccinated with a first dose in England, two-thirds of the total adult population.

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More than one-third of adults have had both doses, meaning they have maximum protection from the virus, with second doses remaining a priority.

Pregnant women can also now book through the national booking service.

They can also speak to their GP practice or maternity service if they have any questions about the coronavirus vaccine or can talk to a healthcare professional at their appointment.

Jane Scattergood, Lancashire and South Cumbria Covid-19 Vaccination Director, said: “The success of the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination programme is not by accident but down to the careful planning and precision of NHS staff who have now delivered over 45 million first and second doses in the fastest and quickest vaccination drive in NHS history.

“With nearly three-quarters of people in their 40’s having already received their first jab, the NHS is opening up to people aged 38 and 39 from today. We must not forget that behind the huge numbers of people jabbed, there has been a huge amount of hard work from our staff, aided by incredible volunteers across the country. We are incredibly grateful for their efforts.“

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.