THE national medical director for the NHS is urging the over-50s and those at risk to book their Covid-19 vaccines quickly before slots dry up.

Professor Stephen Powis called on anyone who qualifies for a jab but has not yet received a first dose to book an appointment in the next few days.

The NHS is expecting a slowdown in UK vaccine supply for the whole of April, meaning medics will concentrate on delivering second doses, with fewer first appointments available.

NHS England has said no first appointments should be booked for people under the age of 50 unless they fall into a higher priority group, such as those who are clinically vulnerable.

Latest figures from the NHS, which cover up to March 21, show almost 90 per cent of the estimated over-50 population in Herefordshire has had at least one dose.

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The figures show 79,992 over-50s have had at least one jab, and when taking the Office for National Statistics' population estimate for Herefordshire into account, it means that is 89 per cent of people have already had an appointment.

Prof Powis 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.”

Around seven in 10 people aged 50 to 54 have now had a first dose of a vaccine, according to NHS England.

Anybody aged 50 or over can book themselves in for a first dose before March 29 online using the national booking system for England.

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People aged 18 and over who are clinically vulnerable should also book themselves in for a vaccine.

GPs will continue contacting eligible patients on their lists and offering vaccines to anyone who has not had one so far.

There are seven vaccination sites in Herefordshire, including a mass site and seven GP-led centres.

These are the sites which have been giving the jabs in Herefordshire:

They are:

  • Saxon Hall, Hoarwithy Road, Hereford, for patients at Wargrave House Surgery, Belmont Medical Practice and Cantilupe Surgery
  • Quay House Surgery, Westfaling Street, Hereford, for patients at Hereford Medical Group
  • Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross-on-Wye, for patients at Alton Street Surgery, Pendeen Surgery, Fownhope Surgery, Kingstone Surgery, Golden Valley Practice and Much Birch Surgery
  • Ledbury Community Hall, Lawnside Road, Ledbury, for patients at Market Street Surgery, St Katherines Surgery, Nunwell Surgery, Colwall Surgery and Cradley Surgery
  • Bridge Street Sports Centre, Bridge Street, Leominster, for patients at Kington Medical Practice, Mortimer Medical Practice, The Marches Surgery, Weobley Surgery and Westfield Surgery

There is also a vaccination centre at Hereford County Hospital for health and social care workers in the county, and a mass site at Elgar House in Holmer Road.

In addition, there is a second mass centre in Malvern at the Three Counties Showground.

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed this week that they were not planning to close any sites as a result of the slow down in vaccine supply.