England Health Secretary Matt Hancock has expressed certainty over a “great British summer” ahead.
In a video posted on Twitter, he said: “The UK vaccination programme has just delivered its 50 millionth vaccine.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everybody involved – the NHS of course, the scientists, the Armed Forces and the council personnel who’ve helped so much, and the volunteers who brought a real spirit to this programme.
“Seems like only yesterday that Margaret Keenan was getting the first clinically authorised vaccine in the world and now we’ve delivered 50 million.
“And this is so important of course because it is a life-saving vaccine that helps protect you, helps protect those around you, and it is our route out of this pandemic.
“And it’s because of the vaccination programme that we’re able to keep going down this road map, and I know we’re going to have a great British summer.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnsoin tweeted: "Thanks to the extraordinary effort of everyone involved, 50 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been given to people across the United Kingdom. Please do come forward and get your jab when asked to do so."
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “Since the launch of the largest vaccination programme in NHS history we have now delivered an average 10 million vaccinations each month thanks to the hard-work of NHS staff both planning the roll out and administering the jabs.
“More than nine out of 10 people aged 45 and over have received their first jab and everybody aged 40 or more is now eligible, so if you receive a text inviting you to join the millions already jabbed, please follow the instructions provided and book – it is simple, effective and provides protection for you and those you love against this dreadful virus.”
