As from Monday, just under half a million people have been invited to book their Covid vaccination. The vaccine rollout extends to 44-year-olds.
The vast majority of the the previous age group has received their first dose.
The NHS said it would set out when 40 to 43-year-olds would be able to book appointments “in the coming days”, and as supply allows.
A TV ad has recently been launched encouraging under 50s to all book in and receive their jabs.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the “great news” at being able to open up jabs to 44-year-olds came after “a huge few days for vaccinations”.
He added: “We’ll keep working down the age range to make sure everybody can have the offer of a jab by the end of July – all adults.”
Individuals that are due to turn 44 by July 1st are entitled to book in for their first dose of the vaccination.
The total number of vaccine doses given in the UK reached almost 46.3 million on Sunday, with a further 498,430 second doses and 142,215 first doses reported.
More than 33.7 million people have received their first dose and almost 12.6 million are fully vaccinated.
Northern Ireland have now moved onto the next age group, offering people aged 35 – 39 year-olds vaccines. Wales are inviting people is their 40s and Scotland are getting in touch with over 45s for their vaccination.
Scotland has taken its first biggest step out of official lockdown since December, with essential shops opening, cafes, restaurants and gyms. There are still restrictions and rules in place but the are plans in place to ease it gradually.
Vaccine rollout extends with TV ad and other promotional material
The TV advert promoting the Covid-19 vaccine – states in the slogan “every vaccination gives us hope”. This is predominantly targeted at people aged under 50 who are now being invited for their first dose.
There are scenes from vaccination centres across the country, it also aims to encourage over-50s that they should receive their second jab to gain the best protection.
In addition, there is a poster campaign highlighting how the Covid-19 jab helps to reduce infections, hospital admissions and deaths.
The first screening of the 60-second ad will be during Emmerdale on ITV at 19:15 BST on Monday. It features people coming to different vaccination centres across the UK to a cover version of Dinah Washington’s What a Difference a Day Makes recorded by songwriter and artist Shells.
The advert emphasises “join the millions already vaccinated” and reminds them “you need two doses for maximum protection”.
Healthy Secretary Matt Hancock has said “poignant reminder of everything we’ve been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to”.
Within the advert, there is 32-year-old Thor Porter, who’s a drummer and graphic designer from Salisbury, in Wiltshire. He goes on to say “I feel the vaccine rollout is key to regaining some form of normality. As a musician, it will hopefully enable venues to reopen and ensure a future in my career.”
The campaign will also be highlighted in special postmarks put on stamped mail by the Royal Mail. Also there will be messaging on Google and YouTube, free advertising on LinkedIn to get the vaccine message to businesses.
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