COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to 64-year-olds this week as the rollout continues ahead of schedule.

More than two thirds of people between 65 and 69 have already had their first Covid vaccination since invitations went out a week ago.

Now all those in that age group who are yet to be vaccinated are being urged to book an appointment.

Residents praised for Covid testing support

NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said: "The NHS covid vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead - letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two thirds of them have had their first covid vaccination.

"Across England overall nearly a third of adults have now had their first jab, and early signs suggest this is contributing to the welcome fall in coronavirus hospitalisation that we're now seeing."

Anyone who is 65 or over can get an appointment in one of the vaccination centres by booking through the national booking service, as the NHS looks to help as many people in this age group get their jab and make use of available doses.

Nine more deaths recorded across Hampshire hospitals

The fresh call to those aged 65 to 69 comes as invitations for around 460,000 people aged 64 are due to land on doorsteps later this week, with this group of nearly half a million people set to be asked initially to book a slot at one of the larger vaccination centres.

If anyone wishes to wait to be called to their GP surgery they are free to do so.