COVID Vaccine given to 15 million people in the UK

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More than 15 million people in the UK have now had their first coronavirus vaccine, in what Boris Johnson described as a "significant milestone".

The PM hailed the "extraordinary feat", reached just over two months after the first jab was given on 8 December.

It comes as the government is expected to announce on Monday it has met its pledge to offer a jab to everyone in the top four priority groups in the UK.

The rollout is now being expanded to over-65s and the clinically vulnerable.

In a video, Mr Johnson praised a "truly national, UK-wide effort", adding that in England the jab had been offered to all those in the top four priority groups. 

Wales has also met the target.

But "no-one is resting on their laurels," Mr Johnson said. "We've still got a long way to go to. And there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road. But after all we've achieved, I know we can go forward with great confidence."

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the 15 million milestone was a "remarkable shared achievement" - reached 10 weeks after the first vaccine was administered in the UK.

"The NHS vaccination programme is the biggest and fastest in Europe - and in the health service's history - and that is down to the skill, care, and downright hard work of our fantastic staff, supported by local communities, volunteers and the armed forces," he said. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it meant one in every four adults was now "starting to receive protection from this dreadful disease". 

But he cautioned: "There is so much more to do and I urge anyone eligible to step forward and take up their appointment. The vaccine is our route to freedom - we will beat this virus jab by jab."

So far the vaccination programme has been aimed at the top four priority groups, including NHS frontline staff, care home residents and workers, over-70s, and people deemed clinically extremely vulnerable.

These groups have accounted for 88% of the UK's Covid-19 deaths so far, according to the Department of Health and Social Care and are estimated by the JCVI to be some 15 million people. 

A small number of the 15 million to receive a jab will have been outside these priority groups.

The UK is currently administering doses of two vaccines approved by the medicine regulator - the Pfizer-BioNTech jab and the one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

A third vaccine, made by US company Moderna, has been approved but supplies are not expected to be available until spring.

The UK is also lined up to receive at least three other vaccines if they are approved for use.

Its vaccination rate is the third highest in the world, behind only Israel and the UAE.

Source: BBC

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[Blackout2006]

That’s amazing news! Over 22% of the UK has been already vaccinated? Really happy 4 u guys

[London Girl 98]

Vaccines are worst than thr virus himself.  Curious to see how it'll turns out in 10/15 years.

[ExXL]

I'm not taking any vaccine until I know it is safe and not harmful , and I'm not an anti vaxxer I just got a tetanus shot last month , I'm just not gonna risk my body with something that wasn't tested for long enough....... It can seriously screw your immune system..... 

[JessicaS89]

As an essential worker, I already got my first dose. I get my second one next Tuesday.  Wish me luck.