The NHS is sending millions of vulnerable people text messages urging them to get the Covid-19 vaccination as part of a renewed drive to protect people with underlying conditions, including some forms of cancer and diabetes.
 
The text message, sent using the Government’s secure notify service will show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’. It includes a link that enables people to arrange their vaccination at a pharmacy-led service or vaccination centre.
 
GPs have already been inviting those with underlying conditions from their patient list, the NHS says. 
 
“We’re sending out around two million NHS text invitations over the weekend as more vaccine supplies come online next week,” said NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens. “Bookings are booming, with a record number of NHS Covid jabs arranged through our national service last weekend when over one million appointments were made.”
 
Last weekend (March 6) more than 1.3 million appointments were made through the national booking service, with the vast majority of people booking online, said the NHS. A smaller number booked by calling 119, which offers additional support when booking.
 
“It is a testament to the hard work of tens of thousands of NHS staff, volunteers and many more that we have now vaccinated 19 million people in just over three months,” said Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS England’s primary care director and GP. “Seeing the hope the vaccine brings to staff and patients has been a real career highlight and it is great to see that confidence in the biggest vaccination drive in NHS history continues with record numbers taking up their offer last weekend.”
 
“More than a million appointments were booked for a lifesaving vaccination and now the NHS is redoubling its efforts to vaccinate people at increased risk to ensure nobody is left behind. It is never too late to take up the offer and I would urge anyone eligible who has yet to do so to come forward and protect yourself and others,” she added.