ADULTS aged between 25 and 29 across Hampshire are to be invited for their first Covid-19 jab from tomorrow.

Tuesday will mark six months since the launch of the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.

More than 1.87m Covid-19 vaccines have been delivered locally to date and strong progress continues to be made, with 95 per cent of people aged 40 and over across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight having received their first dose.

Adults aged between 25 and 29 will start to receive text messages inviting them to book an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccination from tomorrow morning.

Anyone in the age groups now eligible for a vaccine is asked to book their jab once they receive the text message alert.

Those who have already received their first vaccine are urged to get their second dose to ensure they are as protected as possible against the virus.

Dr Nigel Watson, Clinical Lead for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “Six months on from the launch of the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS, we’re delighted that more than 1.87m COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"We continue to make strong progress and remain on track to have offered every adult in our area a first dose of the vaccine by the end of July.

"Thank you to all of our colleagues, partners and volunteers whose outstanding continued efforts in delivering the vaccination programme locally are helping to save lives.

“I strongly encourage anyone eligible who has not yet made an appointment to do so as soon as possible. Getting the vaccine helps protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities against COVID-19.

"The first dose of the vaccines offer good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone will need a second dose.”

When invited, people will be able to book to receive the COVID-19 vaccine via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119.

Text invitations, which do not expire, appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’ and include a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

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

People aged 39 and under who are eligible and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with updated JCVI guidance.