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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Milo Boyd

UK hits 20m second jabs as almost 2 in 5 adults now fully protected against Covid

More than 20 million second doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been given out in the UK.

The big milestone was reached yesterday, according to Public Health England data.

Government figures up to May 15 shows that of the 56,677,012 jabs given in the UK so far, 36,573,354 were first doses – a rise of 237,331 on the previous day.

Some 20,103,658 were second doses, an increase of 391,246.

That means that around two fifths of all adults in the country are now fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock celebrated news of the milestone.

More than 20 million Brits have now had a second dose (PA)

He said: "We have more great news about the vaccination rollout and are making extraordinary strides as 20 million people now have the fullest possible protection from this virus - huge thanks to the team for hitting this milestone.

"The latest real-world data has once again demonstrated how effective the vaccine is at providing life-saving protection, with two doses of the Pfizer vaccine providing 97% protection against mortality.

"Receiving a second dose is vital to ensure you have the ultimate protection from this deadly virus - I encourage everyone to book their jab as soon as they are offered it."

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "It is inspiring to see the incredible public response to our call to arms to get the jab. We have one the highest vaccine uptake rates in the world, but our work is not done yet.

"It's time to redouble our efforts on the second dose, so please come forward for the second jab as it could be a life-saving extra boost of protection."

Matt Hancock urged everyone to book a jab when they're eligible to do so (REUTERS)

It was announced on Friday that second-dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to eight weeks for people aged 50 and above.

NHS England has advised that no-one needs to contact the health service.

People due to get their second dose in the next 10 days, up to and including May 24, should attend their appointment as planned.

In England the vaccine rollout is currently open to anyone aged 38 and older.

A vaccination bus has been stationed in Bolton this weekend amid concerns around the spread of the variant first identified in India.

Mr Hancock has confirmed over-35s will be able to book their Covid-19 jabs from some point in the coming days.

He told the BBC: "This coming week we're going to be opening up vaccination to the 35s-and-over across the country because this isn't just about accelerating the vaccination programme in Bolton, it's about going as fast as we possibly can nationwide."

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