How can I book an NHS Covid vaccine appointment?
MILLIONS of Brits across the country have received a coronavirus vaccine that protects them from Covid-19.
Younger age groups are now able to book a slot, so it's important you know how to get an appointment when it's your turn.
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So far over 41.5 million Brits have received a first dose of a vaccine with over 29.7 million having had their second.
Last week it was announced that anyone over the age of 25 would now be able to book an appointment, with many rushing to claim a slot.
Mass jab events have also been held up and down the country in the last few weeks, with everyone aged 18 and over being invited in Twickenham and Newham, East London, in a bid to get as many people vaccinated as possible.
It comes as cases of the Delta variant have soared in recent weeks and the government is trying to get as many people double jabbed as possible.
It has also narrowed the gap in between jabs from 12 weeks to eight for over-50s.
In February, Boris Johnson announced his goal that all adults in the UK would receive the vaccine by July 31.
And recently it was revealed the Government has met its target of offering the vaccine to all adults in the top nine priority groups ahead of time.
HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
The NHS worked through a list determined by the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), which means those who need the jab most got it first.
Most people in the priority list have now had or been offered at least their first jab.
Letters sent to those who qualify to have the vaccine give details on how to book your jab in each area.
The letters explain how the slots can be booked through the national booking service online or over the phone.
In order to be eligible for the vaccine, the NHS says that you have to be registered with a GP surgery in England.
To start the booking process you can follow the sent to you on your letter, or online.
You can only use the service if you fall into the age groups eligible or have had a letter or text sent to you - with the NHS stating you might not get your letter or text straight away.
Before you start to fill out the form you will be asked for your NHS number.
This number will be displayed on any previous letters the NHS has sent you - such as your shielding letter and it will consist of 10 numbers.
But if you don't know your NHS number then you will still be able to book an appointment.
If this is the case you will be asked for your first and second name, your gender and your date of birth as well as your postcode.
This is so the NHS can access your records and book you in at a centre close to you.
This also checks your eligibility for the vaccine and the system will prompt you if it's not yet your turn.
AT THE APPOINTMENT
When you arrive at the vaccine centre you will be greeted by a volunteer who will help you.
The NHS states that your appointment should take 30 to 40 minutes and that this will include a check to make sure all of your booking reference numbers match up.
You will then have to answer questions about your medical history before having a jab.
After having the jab you will be asked to wait for around 15 minutes, this is in the unlikely event that you have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
In the rare event this happens, trained professionals will be on hand to assist.
CAN I GET A PRIVATE JAB?
Unlike various Covid tests that are available for a cost at pharmacies and other health companies across the UK - this isn't the same for jabs.
The government states: "The Covid-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination."
Private vaccination is not expected to become available and companies such as Pfizer have previously said that they have no plans to supply the private sector with jabs for the foreseeable future.
Patients have also been warned not to fall for scam artists who claim to have doses of the vaccine available.
It was previously reported that fraudsters are taking advantage of the NHS Covid-19 vaccine rollout by sending convincing text messages to scam financial information.
Elderly and anxious residents have received text messages claiming to be from the NHS, which say they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Included in the message is a hyperlink to a fake - although very convincing - application form.
Those who click through to the form are then asked to fill the blanks with their personal information - including a credit card number.
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Other text messages steal money from people by getting them to reply with a text message that costs a fortune.
Clued-up recipients have taken to social media to share screenshots of the messages, urging others to keep their wits about them as the scam appears to spread further.
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It was also reported in January that an elderly woman had been charge £150 for a fake vaccine.
Vaccine are only available through the NHS.