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The NHS National Medical Director urges those over the age of 50 remaining to sign up for their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the vaccine slowdown starting Monday.
Professor Stephen Powis has asked anyone who is eligible, but has yet to take a first hit, to book an appointment in the next few days.
The NHS expects a slowdown in the UK’s vaccine supply throughout the month of April, meaning that doctors will focus on administering second doses, with fewer first appointments available.
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Earlier this month, a A letter from the NHS warned that the UK is facing a “significant reduction” in coronavirus vaccine supplies beginning March 29, for an estimated four-week period.
The letter, which has been sent to local vaccination sites across the country, says that the volumes of the first doses will be “significantly limited.”
NHS England has said that first appointments should not be booked for people under the age of 50 unless they belong to a higher priority group, such as those who are clinically vulnerable.
Professor Powis said: “It is a testament to the careful planning and hard work of the staff that the NHS vaccination program continues to protect people against coronavirus at a record rate.
“I loved getting my first dose earlier this month, it was quick, painless and safe, and it feels great to know that I have protection against COVID-19, so if you are eligible, don’t delay, book a jab.”
Powis has urged those over 50 to book an appointment by Monday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said that the next vaccine supply would be “bulky” for April thanks to a reduction in available doses.
He told MPs that the drop was due to the need to retest the stability of 1.7 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as a delay in injections from the Serum Institute of India (SII).
According to Sky News business correspondent Paul Kelso, a recent shipment of IBS, totaling five million doses, prompted an increase in release last weekend.
A new record of more than 840,000 first and second doses was delivered on Saturday, double the seven-day average a few days earlier.
However, that is about to come to a halt, Sky News understands, after the SII told the government it would not complete its total order for 10 million doses.
However, Hancock told parliament last week that despite the delays, 12 million second doses would be delivered in the five weeks starting March 29.
As of March 23, 28,653,523 people have had a first hit in the UK and 2,532,839 have had two hits.
About seven in 10 people ages 50 to 54 have already received a first dose of a vaccine, according to NHS England.
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Jab’s release will be ‘victim of its own success’
The UK government aims to deliver a first dose of vaccine to the 32 million people in the top nine priority groups by April 15, a commitment that ministers are also honoring.
Anyone 50 and over can book their first dose before Monday online using England’s national booking system.
Clinically vulnerable people 18 years of age and older must also register to receive a vaccine.
GPs will continue to contact eligible patients on their lists and offer vaccinations to anyone who has not had one by now.
