THE NHS Covid Vaccination Programme has jabbed more than half of people in their thirties in just over a fortnight, new figures have revealed.

More than five million appointments were booked and 53 per cent of people aged 30-39 have received at least one dose since the programme, the biggest in NHS history, began opening up to the age group on May 13.

The surge in bookings for a lifesaving COVID jab comes as the country’s top doctor urged people not to put off getting their second dose and becoming fully vaccinated.

Earlier this month, on the advice of the Government and JCVI, the NHS started contacting people aged 50 and over and those who are clinically vulnerable asking them to bring forward their second dose of the vaccine to counter the spread of the B1.617.2 variant, which was first found in India.

So far 600,000 people have been invited to rearrange their second jab through the National Booking Service and around a quarter have moved their appointment forward.

Those aged 30 and 31 were the latest age groups to be invited for their jab on Wednesday (May 26) with more than five million appointments made through the National Booking Service within 72 hours. More than half of 30-39 year olds have already received their first dose, and around three quarters of people aged 50 and over have now been fully vaccinated.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that more than half of England’s over-30s have been vaccinated so quickly – thank you to everybody who has come forward so far to do their bit to defeat the virus.

“As we enjoy the reopening of pubs and restaurants again, vaccines will play a crucial role in protecting us and those around us.

“Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and I urge everybody to take up the offer when eligible.”

The NHS made history when Maggie Keenan became the first person in the world to be protected against coronavirus outside of a clinical trial when she received the Pfizer vaccine at Coventry Hospital on December 8 last year.

Since then more than 32 million people have been vaccinated with a first dose in England, almost three quarters of the total adult population and well over 20 million people have had both doses.

The Government and the JCVI announced on Friday, May 14 that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to eight weeks for those aged 50 and over and those who are clinically vulnerable who have yet to received theirs.

People who should have their second dose brought forward do not need to contact the NHS. The NHS will let them know when they can rebook with NHS staff standing up thousands of additional appointments.