All adults in Dacorum invited to book Covid vaccine

Everyone aged 18 and over in Dacorum can now get their Covid vaccines.

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens announced the move and hailed the moment all adults became eligible as “a watershed” moment.

The NHS will start to send around 1.5 million texts to people aged 18-20 from today (June 18)

The NHS is braced for high demand after the first group of people in their 20s to be offered vaccines booked more than one million appointments in a single day.

In Dacorum, 96,880 people had received the first dose of the vaccination for COVID-19, and 70,750 had received their second dose - meaning they have maximum protection from COVID-19.

Latest figures show the NHS in England has delivered over 60 million vaccinations just six months after making history when Margaret Keenan received the approved vaccine in Coventry.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “This is truly a watershed moment: whoever you are, wherever you live, if you are aged 18 or older and you are yet to book your COVID jab, today should be the day you make that happen.

“Only months after delivering the world-first first jab hard working NHS staff have given more than 60 million vaccinations in England alone, saving thousands of lives and giving the entire country hope for a brighter future.

“Extensive planning and the tireless hard work of staff and volunteers have made the NHS vaccine programme an historic success.

“Now we are delivering a final push to protect the country so when your time comes, or if you haven’t done so already, please play your part and come forward to make your first appointment or get your second dose.”

NHS England lead for the COVID Vaccination Programme, Dr. Emily Lawson, said: “We’re in the final weeks of this historic drive to get everyone aged 18 and over their first COVID-19 vaccine, having already vaccinated more than three quarters of the population in only six months, and ensured that over half the country has had their second jab too.

“We know that getting both doses is vital to maximising the positive impact of the vaccines, if you’re offered the chance to bring forward your second jab, please do so and most importantly come forward for both appointments, and follow the tens of millions who have already got themselves this essential protection from COVID-19.”

When invited, people will be able to book at one of the vaccination centres, a pharmacy or GP site across the country that are available through the national booking service.Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’ and include 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.

People aged 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with updated JCVI guidance.