What do the changes to the vaccination programme mean?

People over 60 will be getting their COVID-19 vaccine sooner than expected after the health authorities approved the use of the AstraZeneca jab up to the age of 70.

The decision raised eyebrows, with those in the 70 to 80 age group questioning whether younger people will be getting the vaccine before them. Similar questions were raised by the vulnerable. What has changed?

The change affects people aged 60 to 74 and will have no impact on groups that are already being vaccinated. People aged 75 to 80 will still be receiving vaccination letters as of Monday, as previously announced. Those aged 80 or over and people with chronic illnesses, will continue to be vaccinated. These groups will receive a vaccine made by Moderna or Pfizer.

People working in the education sector and workers deemed essential will also continue to be vaccinated.  They will receive a vaccine made by AstraZeneca. But because the AstraZeneca vaccine has now been approved for use in people aged up to 70, those over 60 (but under 70) can also now be called for their vaccine shots. What about those between aged 70 to 75?

That leaves people aged 70 to 75 – and therefore just over the AstraZeneca age limit –...