People aged 29 and under can book their Covid-19 vaccination from today.

The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, confirmed the next stage of the vaccine roll-out in the House of Commons yesterday, meaning many thousands of people in Kent are now eligible for the jab.

Today marks six months since the first dose of vaccine was given, when 90-year-old grandmother Maggie Keenan from Coventry received her first dose.

Nationally, around three million people aged between 25 and 29 will be invited to book their first dose, with texts being sent from today. The online booking service was updated at 7am.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Hancock said: "Every day brings with it another exciting milestone in our vaccination programme - the largest and most successful in NHS history.

"The vaccine is saving lives and preventing hospitalisations. Two weeks after we extended the invite to all over 30s, we are now extending the offer to everyone aged 25 and over.

"We have one of the highest uptake rates in the world with over half of the UK population having the fullest possible protection from two doses, and over three quarters receiving at least one dose. The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic so when you get the call, get the jab."

"When you get the offer, get the jab..."

The race is now on to vaccinate as many people as possible before the Delta variant, first discovered in India, spread further in the community.

Scientists have urged ministers to delay to the final relaxation of restrictions on June 21 "by a few weeks" amid rising cases of the variant, which is understood to be more transmissible than the Alpha, or Kent, strain of the virus.

More than half of adults nationwide are now fully vaccinated, giving them maximum possible protection from coronavirus.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "We have taken yet another step forward and are now calling all over 25s to get the jab.

"This is yet another incredible step forward in our journey back to normality. With our recently announced dating apps partnership, we are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to encouraging people to take up the vaccine.

"When you get the offer, get the jab – it could save your life and protect your loved ones."

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

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