Following JCVI advice, phase 2 of the Covid-19 vaccination programme begins this week, with eligible people being invited to receive their vaccines in order of age over the coming weeks and months, as supplies allow.
In the first stage of the phase 2 roll out, people aged between 45-49 are being invited to book their coronavirus vaccine online or through 119. Text messages will be sent to people aged 45-49 between Wednesday and Saturday this week, inviting them to make an appointment through the NHS National Booking Service.
NHS England has written to all primary care networks today asking them to begin inviting the same age group to receive their vaccines, and a system letter with operational guidance is due imminently.
Local systems should continue to work to vaccinate people over 50, those with underlying health conditions, and health and social care workers so that our most at-risk residents are protected. To support this, nationally-sent call and recall letters will be sent to 50-59 year olds from Thursday this week, as well as second dose reminder letters.