Over 50s now invited for COVID-19 vaccination

People aged over 45 can now book their COVID vaccinations on the NHS website after the government reached its target of offering a first dose to the nine most vulnerable groups.

There were recently some technical difficulties for people accessing the NHS website, but vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the issues have been fixed – book a vaccine online here and find out if you are eligible.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said that 19 out of 20 of those most at risk of the virus have been vaccinated.

This comes ahead of the deadline of April 15 to have offered everyone in the top nine priority cohorts a COVID-19 vaccine, and England passing 27 million first doses as part of more than 32 million being given across the UK.

The aim is to offer all adults a vaccine by the end of July.

Sir Simon Stevens said: “Vaccinating 19 out of 20 people aged 50 and over is an incredible milestone.

“Thanks to our NHS nurses, doctors, pharmacists, operational managers and thousands of other staff and volunteers, the NHS Covid vaccination programme is without a doubt the most successful in our history. It’s one of our tickets out of this pandemic and offers real hope for the future.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I want to thank everyone involved in the vaccine rollout which has already saved many thousands of lives.

“We will now move forward with completing essential second doses and making progress towards our target of offering all adults a vaccine by the end of July.”

Meanwhile, the first Moderna jab will be delivered in England on Tuesday, April 13 as the NHS vaccination programme reaches another milestone.

More than 20 sites will initially use the newest vaccine as the NHS continues to expand the vaccination programme.

For anyone aged 18-29 who is eligible for a jab, the Moderna vaccine provides another alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine, amid concerns over blood clotting.

Lincoln City winger Morgan Rogers has won the EFL’s Young Player of the Month award after some dazzling displays in March.

The Manchester City teenager, on loan at the Imps until the end of the season, scored three goals in seven games in March to pick up the award.

It comes as the 18-year-old’s influence on the team continues to grow, ahead of a League One promotion push at the end of the season.

Lincoln City currently find themselves in sixth place, hanging onto a play-off spot by a thread, with just eight games remaining of the regular season.

The England under-18 international said: “I’m really happy to have won the award and appreciate whoever chose me to win it.

“My aims now are to keep progressing and keep improving. I want to try and get as many goals and assists as possible but more importantly contribute to the team and make sure we’re winning games.

“I just need to keep learning and keep improving and see wherever this journey takes me.”

Next up for the Imps will be a home match against MK Dons on Tuesday, April 13, before two away trips to Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion on Saturday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 20 respectively.

The former Bishop of Lincoln, who was affectionately known across Greater Lincolnshire as Bishop Bob, has sadly died.

Rt Revd Robert Hardy CBE, who was Bishop of Lincoln between 1987 and 2001, died on Friday, April 9.

The Diocese of Lincoln said Bishop Bob was much loved and greatly admired for his dedication to the diocese and the people of the city.

Bishop Hardy, 84, was born in 1936 and was particularly known for his commitment to rural issues, as well as being President of the Lincolnshire Show.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2001 for his services to the Church of England, including being Bishop for HM Prisons.

He also served as honorary assistant bishop in the diocese of Carlisle during his retirement.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christoper Lowson, said: “I ask that we pray for Bishop Bob, giving thanks for his ministry, and that we also pray for those who mourn at this time, particularly his wife Isobel, and their children Ben, Alexander and Rebecca. Dr Isobel Hardy made her own caring contribution to Lincolnshire as a General Practitioner in Sleaford and Market Rasen while her husband was bishop and our condolences are with her and the family.

“May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

“Father of all, we pray to thee for those whom we love, but see no longer. Grant them thy peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and in thy loving wisdom and almighty power work in them the good purpose of thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”