AN NHS boss has issued an urgent warning for those over 50, and anyone with severe underlying health conditions to book their Covid vaccine by the end of the month.

The national medical director of the NHS has urged anyone who qualifies for a jab (those in cohorts 1 to 9) to book an appointment by March 29, before slots dry up.

This comes as the NHS is expecting a slowdown in the UK vaccine supply for the whole of April, meaning it will have to concentrate on delivering second doses.

SEE MORE: Vaccine slots 'AVAILABLE' in Darlington's Feethams House as NHS booking system 'dries up'

The warning was made as the NHS said four in five people in the first nine priority groups had now received at least one dose since the programme began.

'Don't delay'

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “It is a testament to the careful planning and sheer hard work of staff that the NHS vaccination programme is continuing to protect people against coronavirus at a record pace.

“I was thrilled to get my first dose earlier this month, it was quick, painless and safe and it feels great knowing I’ve got protection against covid-19 so if you are eligible do not delay, book a jab.”

The NHS confirmed far fewer appointments will be available for first doses beyond next week, urging those eligible to complete their booking by the March 29 date.

The Northern Echo:

The NHS is inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text with GPs also calling some patients - but you don't need to wait for a letter as previously explained.

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

NHS invites are for bookings made through the NHS site, which does not allow for bookings at primary care, GP-led sites.

It means that those booking an appointment may not be offered their jab at a venue that is nearest to them, rather where the next available slot is.

In the North-East, there are five mass vaccination sites across Tyne & Wear and in the Tees Valley.

They are the Centre for Life in Newcastle, Sunderland Nightingale Hospital, Durham Arnison Centre, Darlington Arena and Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium.

Anyone aged 50 or over can book themselves in for a first dose before March 29th online using the national booking system - click here

People aged 18 and over, who are clinically vulnerable, should also book themselves in for a jab this month.

GPs will continue contacting eligible patients and vaccinating them throughout April with a first dose.

This is the list of severe health conditions - cohort 6

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommends that all individuals between 16 and 65 with underlying health conditions which put them at 'higher risk of serious disease and mortality,' will be included under Cohort 6.

They are those with:

- Chronic respiratory disease

- Chronic heart disease and vascular disease 

- Chronic kidney disease 

- Chronic liver disease

- Chronic neurological disease, including severe or profound learning disability

- Diabetes mellitus

- Immunosuppression 

- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen

- Morbid obesity

- Severe mental illness

Last week, 24 hours after the chief executive of the NHS, Sir Simon Stevens, received his first dose, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson also got his jab, both receiving the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine.