IN a milestone day for the NHS Covid vaccination programme, everyone over the age of 18 in the region can now book their first dose.

The NHS has today opened up its national booking system to include all adults - regardless of underlying health conditions - to book their slot.

This week, the NHS has already seen the vaccine programme open to more age groups with those over 23 being able to book their dose from Wednesday.

It comes as local figures now show more than 9.5 million people in the North East and Yorkshire region have had their first dose - the equivalent to one in four adults here.​

The NHS has also released a list of all the vaccine sites that over 18s should be able to use through the national booking system.

This is in addition to primary care sites that may be offering the jab to those over the 18 in coming weeks.

These are the 19 vaccination sites in the North East and North Yorkshire

- Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington

- St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth

- St Georges Park, Morpeth 

- Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate

- North East Ambulance Service, Bernicia House, Goldcrest Way, Newcastle

- The Pharmacy, Hardwick Road, Stockton

- The Pharmacy, North Shields

- Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Northumbria Way, Cramlington, 

- Wansbeck Hospital, Woodhorn Lane, Ashington

- Pharmacy Department, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead 

- Friarage Hospital, Northallerton

- Pharmacy, The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road

- Roseberry Park Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough

- West Park Hospital, Edward Pease Way, Darlington

- Foss Park Hospital, York

- RVI, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne

- Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne

- Pharmacy Department, North Road, Durham,

- York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York

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

The NHS has said anyone in England over the age of 18 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 may continue to focus on other age groups.

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 everyone over the age of 18 inviting them to book their jab.

But those still waiting can visit - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ -

There, you can book using their NHS number, or by filling in your name, postcode and date of birth. 

Those who use the booking system will be asked to confirm basic details in the process.