The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has revealed that half of all UK adults have now received at least the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination.
This news comes as it is reported that Thursday (18/03) was the single most successful day for vaccinations since the programme began last December.
Official Department of Health data reveals that just over 660,000 were administered on Thursday alone. This amazing milestone consisted of 528,260 first doses and 132,016 second doses.
Overall, around 26,263,732 adults have now received their first dose of the vaccine, while an additional 2,011,070 have got their second shot.
The Health Secretary gave an update on the vaccination programme on Twitter, where he also thanked the incredible efforts of all healthcare staff involved.
Yesterday we vaccinated more people than any day yet.
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 20, 2021
I'm delighted to be able to say that we've now vaccinated HALF of all adults in the UK 🇬🇧
The vaccine is a national success story & our way out of this pandemic.
When you get the call, get the jab. pic.twitter.com/hGX0nrRsYV
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, received his first dose yesterday (19/03) and has urged everyone to get vaccinated when given the offer.
As it currently stands, anyone aged 50 and over can get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible for the vaccination and have not yet been contacted by your GP, you can book your first dose by clicking here.
It is expected that everyone aged 18 and over will have been offered a jab by the end of July, though this only a preliminary date at this stage and could be subject to change further down the line.
