The NHS warns of a 'significant reduction in weekly supply ' of vaccinations from the end of March

The NHS was written to local health organisations warning of a “significant reduction in weekly supply” of coronavirus vaccines from the week beginning 29th March for over a month. There is said to have been a "reduction in national inbound vaccines supply”.

The NHS have formally recommended that organisations “ensure no further appointments are uploaded to the national booking system or local booking system" in April.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "vaccine supply is always lumpy", and added that the NHS regularly sent out "technical letters" explaining the "ups and downs" of supply. The letter also says that health organisations should focus on vaccinating those in the most vulnerable groups. It advises vaccination services to work with local authorities, voluntary community and faith organisations to create reserve lists of people eligible for the vaccine.

The NHS proposes that vaccination centres and pharmacies should close all unfilled bookings from the week commencing 29th March.

As it stands, no one with a vaccine already booked should lose their slot.

25 million people have received their first dose, while 1.7 million had been administered their second, announced The Department of Health today.

Mr Hancock said that the nation was "ahead of schedule" to offer the first dose to all over-50s by 15th April.

All adults in the UK are expected to be offered their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of July.