Cohorts 1 to 9 can now book their Covid jab even if they haven't received a letter

Those in Cohorts 1 to 9 can now book an appointment for the vaccine at one of four mass vaccination sites, or a pharmacy-led service, across the North-East. 

It comes as the vaccine programme marks its 100th day since it began, with almost 25m in the UK who have now received their first dose. 

Today, NHS England's Primary Care Director confirmed it was now inviting everyone over the age of 50, and those with certain underlying health conditions to get their jab.

But the invite only applies to appointments made through the NHS national booking system, and not at GP-led sites or Primary Care Networks.

Dr Nikki Kanani said: “The number of vaccines available to the NHS will continue to go up and down week by week and month by month in line with manufacturers’ ability to supply us.

>>>See how to book your appointment below<<<

"But this week and next we have larger supplies, so we want anyone in the top priority groups – people aged 50 and older as well as those working in health and care and anyone with an underlying health condition – to come forward soon to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“The success of the NHS vaccination roll-out is testament to the work of NHS staff, and as new groups of people are invited to come forward it’s exciting that we are now inviting people aged 50 and over to get their jab."

In the region, there are four main mass vaccination sites including Newcastle Centre for Life, Sunderland's Nightingale Hospital, Durham Arnison Centre and Darlington Arena. 

Meanwhile, a number of hospitals and pharmacy-led services have also been set up to take bookings made through the NHS website.

>>>See how to book your appointment below<<<

Marking the 100th day of the programme, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The UK’s vaccination rollout is a national success story.

"It’s a tribute to everyone involved and shows what our country can achieve when we work together.  

“From the Vaccines Taskforce to the NHS, our armed forces and the people coming forward in their millions to get the jab – this has been a massive national effort.

“I’m delighted we are now expanding the rollout and inviting those aged 50-54 to book appointments. 

“I’m determined that no one should miss out on the chance to protect themselves and the people they love or care for, and I urge everyone who’s eligible for the vaccine to come forward.”

How to book your appointment - even if you do not have a letter

The NHS has said anyone in England over the age of 50, or those 16 to 64 year olds with certain underlying health conditions, can now book an appointment.

As previously explained, this only applies to bookings made through the NHS website, or 119, at a mass vaccination or pharmacy-led site.

It does not apply to GP-led services, or Primary Care Networks, as they continue to focus on Cohort 6 and Cohort 5.

The NHS has said it is sending a range of text alerts from 'NHSvaccine' including a web link to book an appointment.

It has said it is in the process of sending out letters to those in Cohorts 1 to 9 inviting them to book their jab.

But those still waiting and eligible can visit - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ - and book using their NHS number, or by filling in your name, postcode and date of birth. 

Those who are eligible will be asked to confirm basic details in the process. 

Earlier this week, 18 charities including Cancer Research UK, Mencap and the Terrence Higgins Trust urged those who eligible to book the jab.

The charities said in the letter: "The good news is, even if you have not received your letter yet, you can now get an appointment at a vaccination centre or community pharmacy, quickly and easily, by using the national booking system or calling 119 in England."