SHROPSHIRE Council has announced that people aged 40 or over are now being invited to book their first jab as the vaccine rollout against Covid-19 continues at pace.

The nationwide programme has been expanded three times this week, and will see millions more get their first dose.

More than two-thirds of Shropshire residents have already received their first vaccination since the rollout began nationally in December 2020.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “The vaccination uptake in Shropshire is really good, but it is important that week keep up the momentum.

“The fact that everyone aged 40 years and older is now eligible for the vaccine is really positive news. I would urge anyone who is eligible, to book their appointments as soon as possible.

“The vaccine is safe and effective and is an important measure, alongside regular Lateral Flow Testing and the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ guidance.”

When invited, people will be able to book at a vaccination centre or pharmacy site across the country through the national booking service.

Those eligible have started to receive invitations via text, with letters to follow next week.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines: AstraZeneca/Oxford University, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Moderna; all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the UK’s world-leading medical regulator the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).