More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
People in their late 30s will be able to book their first Covid jab from tomorrow.
Appointments on the NHS booking website are to be opened to those aged 38 and 39 from Thursday.
Up until now only those aged 40 and over have been entitled to book their appointments, alongside health workers, carers and those with an underlying health condition, but as the vaccination drive continues, England's roll-out will now move down into the next age bracket from the end of this week.
Under-40s are expected to be offered an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine following advice from The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) because of an 'extremely small risk' of people suffering blood clots after having the jab.
It is understood those under 40 accepting a Covid jab will instead be offered a dose from one of the country's other suppliers including both Pfizer and Moderna.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is currently awaiting approval from The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to be used in the UK.
Patients aged 38 and 39 logging onto the NHS booking website from tomorrow will be directed to their nearest vaccination centre with available appointments and a supply of jabs. Alternatively people can wait and be contacted by their GP surgery or nearest vaccine hub.
As of Tuesday 53,675,733 people in the United Kingdom had received a Covid19 vaccine. Comprising of 35,587,348 first doses and 18,088,385 second doses.
