ANYONE aged 45 or over can now book a jab against the coronavirus.

The NHS website for booking a vaccination has changed overnight from them being available to over 50s to being available for anyone over 45.

The change comes after all over 50s and others in high risk occupations or with high risk illnesses were offered the jab before the Government's target of April 15.

A Government spokesman said: "Everybody in cohorts 1-9 - those aged 50 and over, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers - have been offered a vaccine, meeting the government’s 15 April target ahead of time. 

"This group accounts for 99% of all Covid-19 deaths during the pandemic, so by offering them the vaccine, we are helping ensure the most vulnerable are protected from the virus.

"The significant milestone marks the beginning of phase two of the vaccination programme and people aged 45-49 in England can now book appointments through the NHS booking service.

"The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has published its final advice on phase two today, which the government has accepted.

"In line with the JCVI advice, eligible people will be invited to receive their vaccines in order of age over the coming weeks and months."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I’m delighted that across the UK, we’ve met our target to offer a vaccine to everyone in the top nine priority groups, ahead of the deadline of the 15th of April.

“We’ve now delivered a first dose to over 32 million people, and are on track to offer a vaccine to all adults by the end of July. 

“This weekend we also saw a record number of second doses, so overall, as of midnight last night, we have now delivered more than 40 million doses of vaccines right across the UK. It’s a remarkable achievement. 

“Today, the JCVI has published its final advice on an age-based prioritisation, which we accept in full. 

“I can announce formally, that from today, we have opened up invitations to get a vaccine to all aged over 45, and then we will proceed to everyone aged over 40 in line with supplies. 

"Finally, following a successful start last week in Wales, the Moderna vaccine will be rolled out in England from today. 

“I’m very grateful to everybody involved in this vaccination programme, which allows us to lift restrictions across the country and already has saved over 10,000 lives, with more to come.”

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:“I would like to pay tribute to our fantastic NHS, our frontline vaccinators, our volunteers, armed forces, local authorities and all those working on the vaccination programme.

 “I’m very grateful for their tireless efforts in vaccinating those most at risk across the country.

 “We are making phenomenal progress, but we continue to remained focused to make sure nobody is left behind.”

To book a jab, click here.