Over-40s could get Covid jab by end of March as rollout speeds up before schools go back

Brits over the age 40 could be getting the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of March, it has been revealed.

The younger age group are set to be vaccinated within weeks as the roll is speeding up in time for schools reopening.

Rather than prioritising key workers, the government could widen the age group and those between 40 to 49-years-old are likely to receive the jab sooner than expected.

Their turn is said to come after the nine priority groups initially laid out by the government get vaccinated.

It comes amid reports the vaccination program is likely to hit its target by March 24.

The move may pressure ministers to ease restrictions sooner, reports Mail Online.

The head of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has said the determining factor to decide who gets the jab next should be based on age.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to announce the roadmap to easing lockdown on February 22.

Factors including transmissions, hospitalisations and deaths will be considered before measures are eased.

UK’s vaccination rollout has so far seen over 16 million people vaccinated.

Earlier it was reported if all over-50’s are vaccinated by the end of April as they should be according to the vaccine roll-out schedule, socialising within the coveted four walls of pubs and restaurants could become a very realistic possibility.

Though the recent data surrounding COVID-19 cases and deaths shows that both are stabilising, implying the positive news that lockdown restrictions are working – it is vital the measures are not lifted until the nation is undoubtedly ready to do so.

These measures being lifted reportedly hinge heavily on whether or not everyone above the age of 50 is vaccinated on time.

Boris Johnson has already revealed that his exit strategy will be “cautious but irreversible”, suggesting that this current lockdown will be the last the nation faces once it is lifted.