Over-50s in England can now book their Covid-19 vaccines
You can book an appointment through the NHS website
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
Everyone aged 50 and over in England can now book their Covid-19 vaccine through the NHS website.
Thanks to a rapid increase in vaccine supply, up to half of all UK adults could have had the Covid-19 jab by the end of the week.
GPs in many parts of the country have been moving on to lower age groups as the vaccination programme continues at pace.
But until today only those over the age of 55 could book their jab via NHS England, but they have now updated their website to allow those 50 and over to register for an appointment.
Almost 25 million receive first vaccine
It comes as almost 25 million people in the UK have received their first dose, with the Government hopeful that by 15 April all over-50s and people with underlying health conditions will have received their first dose of the vaccine.
Previous targets aimed to ensure that all over-50s, the final priority group, had been vaccinated by May, but the success of the vaccine rollout across the country has seen targets met earlier than expected.
After the top nine priority groups have been offered the vaccine, the rollout will continue to move down the population by age until everyone over the age of 18 has had the chance to receive the jab.
The Government previously said they aimed to offer the vaccine to all UK adults by the end of July.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said:
“Just 100 days since the NHS gave the world’s first Covid jab outside of clinical trials, our vaccine programme passes another milestone as we now invite everyone aged 50 and over to book their vaccination.”
Here are the key dates from the Government's roadmap out of lockdown:
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.
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