Some people in their twenties could be offered Covid-19 vaccines within a week, it has been reported.
Currently anybody aged over 32 is eligible to book an appointment to get one of the coronavirus jabs.
Under-40s are being offered an alternative to AstraZeneca because of a link to rare blood clots.
Now, the Mail Online reports that the rollout is expected to be expanded to those aged 30 ‘early this week’ and that officials believe it can be dropped even further shortly after.
A source was reported to have said: “The vaccine programme has been progressing at a rate of knots, getting to ever younger age groups, while continuing to offer second doses at a record pace.
“If all goes to plan, everyone in their thirties will hopefully have received their invite for a jab within 72 hours or so, with some in their twenties being called forward within the next week to ten days.”
So far more than 60 million jabs have been given across the UK, representing nearly 38 million first doses and 22.6 million second shots.
He added: “Our country has one of the highest uptake rates in the world and I’m delighted that so many have answered our call to arms.
“If you have not yet come forward, and you are eligible, I urge you to take up the offer – it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”
It comes after a groundbreaking study found that the Pfizer vaccine is 88 per cent effective against symptoms of the B1617.2 variant of Covid-19, commonly referred to as the Indian variant.
The research showed these results lasted up to two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine when given to people who presented with symptoms from the Indian variant.
The study, carried out by Public Health England, also found that the AstraZeneca jab was 60 per cent effective against the same symptoms from the Indian variant, for the same time period.
Results from the PHE were shown to include data from all age groups.
Under the Government’s road map, the final stage of unlocking is due to take place on June 21 at the earliest.
