Vaccination of people in their 40s is set to begin this week, as the Government confirms it has met its target of offering a vaccine to everyone aged 50 and over.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to get the vaccine to over-50s by April 15, and the Government appears to have met the target with days to spare. There will be no formal announcement today, because Parliament is paying tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Times reports that those aged 45 or more will be next in line for jabs, with the next stage of the vaccine programme beginning as soon as Tuesday.
Some health trusts have already begun offering vaccinations to people in their 40s, but the vaccine programme will now officially expand to include this age group across England.
However, supply constraints could mean that many may have to wait a little longer to be offered the jab.
In March, the NHS in England warned of a “significant reduction in weekly supply” throughout April meaning volumes for first doses will be “significantly constrained”.
Government scientists are also reported to be considering whether offering priority vaccination to regular travellers. Premier League footballers, hauliers and diplomats are among those who could be vaccinated earlier.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "We are in a position where we have delivered around 32 million doses. We are going to keep focusing on doing that.
"Our target as you know is to offer over-50s [a vaccination] by mid-April, and we will be setting out more details of where we have got to later.
"We have also offered second doses to over 7 million people, which is a remarkable achievement."
Latest NHS figure show 5,375,592 vaccinations took place in the North East and Yorkshire by April 11, including 4,292,031 first doses and 1,083,561 second doses.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our vaccination programme continues at pace with over 32 million people having now received a first dose.
“Our target is to offer a jab to over 50s by April 15 and all adults by the end of July, and we are on course to meet that.
“We will be setting out more details later this week.”
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Provider, which represents NHS Trusts, said: “It is an incredible achievement that more than 32 million people have received their first vaccine, with over seven million receiving their second jab.
“While there is still a way to go with our vaccination programme, we welcome the progress being made, with the jabs due to be rolled out to the over 40s this week and all priority groups now offered a first dose.
“We urge everyone to take their Covid-19 vaccine when they are offered it.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to NHS staff and volunteers on the frontline, as well as health leaders, undertaking this huge logistical challenge to help protect us from the virus.
“As we return to pub gardens and sports activities and make our way back to non-essential shops, we must continue do all that we can to prevent the spread of infection and ensure this lockdown will be the last.”
