The first Moderna jabs will be delivered in England today as the NHS vaccination programme reaches another milestone.
More than 20 sites, including Reading’s Madejski Stadium and the Sheffield Arena, will initially use the newest vaccine, as the NHS continues to expand the vaccination programme.
For those aged 18-29 who are eligible for a jab, the Moderna vaccine provides another alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine, in line with the updated MHRA guidance issued last week.
More than 27 million people in England have now received their first jab, with more than 6.1 million second jabs also being given.
NHS Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said: “The Moderna rollout marks another milestone in the vaccination programme.
“We now have a third jab in our armoury and NHS staff will be using it at more than 20 sites from this week, with more coming online as supplies expand.
“England’s vaccination programme is our hope at the end of a year like no other, so please do come forward and get your jab when you’re invited.
“It is safe, quick and effective – it will protect you and your loved ones.”
Along with Pfizer, it will be used by the NHS for some of the appointments where under 30s were due to receive the AstraZeneca jab.
During April the NHS will administer the second doses, but appointments are still available for those in the initial cohorts who have not yet been vaccinated.
People who had their first jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service should already have a date for their second, while those given their jab by a GP will be called back.
Anyone aged 50 and over can still arrange their jab, as well as people who are clinically vulnerable or a health and care worker.
The NHS is also inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text, with some GPs also calling unvaccinated patients personally to encourage uptake.
Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are delivering the jab at more than 1,600 sites ranging from cathedrals, mosques and temples to racecourses, sports stadiums, cinemas and museums, with 21 offering the Moderna jab this week.
