CALLS for everyone to get the coronavirus vaccine from former Prime Minister Theresa May have been joined by two Reading footballers.

The former prime minister, who lives locally, received her first dose of the vaccine last week by Swallowfield GP Dr Debbie Milligan.

She described the jab as “effective and painless” and urged others to take up the vaccine when offered.

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Adding: "When it’s your turn, please take the vaccine. Only by protecting each other can we defeat this virus."

Mrs May, 64, also thanked the NHS for their “heroic efforts” during the pandemic, urging others to follow suit by getting the vaccine.

Anyone aged 56 or over who have yet to receive their coronavirus jab are now asked to book an appointment online.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “Delighted former Prime Minister @Theresa_May has had the jab. When your turn comes, please get the jab”

It comes as more than 19 million people in the UK have received their first jab.

Theresa May gets her Covid-19 vaccine

Theresa May gets her Covid-19 vaccine

It was also announced people aged 40-49 are next in line for the jab, with Government advisers concluding that vaccinating in order of age remained the quickest way to cut deaths.

Joining the former PM in calling for people to take up the jab are Reading footballers Michael Morrison and Josh Laurent at the Mass Vaccination Centre being run from the Madejski Stadium.

Michael Morrison said: “We’re really grateful for all the fantastic work NHS staff have done throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

"Members of my family have had the vaccine. The sooner we are all protected from coronavirus the sooner we can go back to doing all the things we want to and for me that means playing in front of the fans.

Josh Laurent added: “If you have family and friends who have been contacted then please ask them to get it done.

"If everyone gets it then hopefully we can all start making plans to meet up and our fans can get ready to come back and watch us.

"We really miss them when we’re playing, the atmosphere in the stadiums isn’t the same without the supporters.”

Click here for more details of the vaccination centre in Reading, plus answers to many Covid-19 related questions.