Over-40s – anyone born in or before 1981 – are the next cohort able to register for a jab in several more Italian regions and autonomous provinces from Monday May 17th. In a letter to regional health authorities on Wednesday, Figliuolo has given regions the green light to move down to the next priority group, just a week after instructing them to open appointments to the over-50s.

But some regions are moving faster – or slower – than this. While Italy’s national vaccination plan sets priority groups, each of Italy’s 20 regions have their own timetable, according to the population and doses available. The commissioner has stressed it’s necessary to continue prioritising those who are fragile or over 60 even as booking opens to younger adults, who may still face a wait of several weeks before they actually get their jab.