- Significant milestone as more than 4 million people
receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
- More than half of those aged 80 and over have been
vaccinated
More than 4 million people in the UK have received their
first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the largest
vaccination programme in British history.
The NHS vaccinated a total of 4.06 million people between 8
December and 17 January, including more than half of those
aged 80 and over and more than half of elderly care home
residents.
This is more than double the number of vaccinations, per
person per day, than any European country and is a
significant step towards hitting the Prime Minister’s
target of offering vaccines to the top 4 priority groups by
the middle of February.
This group of around 15 million people accounts for 88% of
COVID deaths, so vaccines will play a crucial role to
saving lives and protecting the NHS.
Speaking at today’s Downing Street press conference (18
January 2021), Health Secretary said:
This is the biggest medical deployment in British history
and it’s one of the biggest civilian operations that this
country’s ever undertaken.
We’re on track to deliver our plan to vaccinate the most
vulnerable groups by the middle of February, the groups
that account for 88% of COVID deaths.
Our approach is, of course, to save as many lives as
possible – as quickly as possible and to reduce the
pressure on the NHS.
Letters have been sent to those aged
70 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable
today in England inviting them to get their vaccinations as
the NHS begins roll out to the next 2 priority groups.
The NHS has so far been working to vaccinate the first 2
priority cohorts recommended by the Joint Committee on
Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which are care home
residents and staff, and those aged 80 and over and
frontline health and care staff.
Vaccinating the first 2 groups will remain the priority,
but vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity
for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer
vaccinations to the next 2 cohorts – those aged 70 and over
and clinically extremely vulnerable people.
This will allow areas that have already vaccinated the
first 2 groups to keep up the momentum and protect more
people.
In some parts of the country, like Gloucestershire, more
than 4 in 5 of people aged 80 and over received the first
dose. In Slough, every elderly care home resident has
already been vaccinated.
The vaccination programme continues to expand, with 10
large-scale vaccination centres coming on stream in England
today.
The government is also urging people to
play their part in the historic programme by:
- helping out: help those aged 80 and over by supporting
friends, family and loved ones with their appointments, as
well as volunteering to help those in the community
- joining up: sign up to
clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments
- staying informed: keep up to date with accurate and
trusted NHS advice and make sure to share facts with
friends and family
A total number of 4,062,501 have
received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the
UK. 452,301 people have received their second jab.
The 10 new vaccination
sites are:
- Bournemouth International Centre
- Taunton Racecourse
- Blackburn Cathedral
- Salt Hill Activity Centre, Slough
- Norwich Foodcourt, Castle Quarter
- The Lodge, Wickford, Essex
- Princess Royal Sports Arena, Lincolnshire
- St Helens Rugby Ground
- Park and Ride at Askham Bar, York
- Olympic Office Centre, Wembley, London
