The UK’s coronavirus vaccine rollout is reaching younger people in England, despite eligibility criteria stating only those aged 30 and over are currently being invited to book their first dose.
Who is being offered the vaccine right now?
In England, those aged 30 and over are currently being offered the vaccine. Booking online is available or by calling 119.
In Scotland, people aged 30 and over are being offered the vaccine. NHS Scotland will contact to arrange the vaccination appointment.
In Wales, vaccines are being offered to those 18 and over. Appointments can be made online.
In Northern Ireland, vaccines are also being offered to those 18 and over. They can call 0300 200 7813 or book online.
When are all adults due to be offered the vaccine?
The Government has said it intends to offer a first dose of a vaccine to all adults by the end of July, and both doses to everyone aged 50 and over by June 21.
So, why might healthy younger people in England have already received their first dose?
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has said that in some areas, GPs have vaccinated all those eligible and so are moving to the next cohort.
Dr Steve Mowle, spokesman and a GP in south London, said: “At some sites, it is likely GPs have finished vaccinating all eligible patients including those aged 30 and over and are now moving onto the next age cohort.
“This only shows how successful the Covid vaccination programme has been so far, and the incredible and pivotal work of GPs and teams in delivering the programme so efficiently.”
Other reasoning could be that surplus vaccine supply may occur and that the overriding principle is to avoid wastage.
How is the rollout doing for the second dose of the jab?
The rollout of second doses has been accelerated, following concerns about the spread of the Delta variant.
England is slightly ahead of the other three nations in giving out second doses, with 50.7% of adults having had two jabs.
In Scotland, 48.2% have had their second jab.
Northern Ireland is on 47.1%.
In Wales, it’s 45.9%.
