Over 30 million people in the UK have received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, the latest figures published on Wednesday (June 15) showed.
The latest data reveled that as many as 41,830,546 people across the UK have now been vaccinated with a first dose (79.4 per cent), while 30,204,738 people have had both doses (57.3 per cent).
New analysis by Public Health England (PHE) showed for the first time that two doses of Covid-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.61.2) variant.
The analysis suggests the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 96 per cent effective and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after both doses.
The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by April 15 and is on track to offer a first dose to all adults by July 19, two weeks earlier than planned.
NHS England has today extended the offer of a vaccine to everyone over the age of 23.
By 19 July, all those aged 50 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered their second dose.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “Second doses are increasingly vital, so this is an incredibly important milestone. Day after day, our vaccination programme reaches new heights. With over 30 million people across the UK now receiving a second dose, we are giving the fullest possible protection to our loved ones in the face of new variants.
“The strength of the union has never been clearer than in the UK vaccination effort. All 4 corners of this country have pulled together for one common purpose- to get the jab and fight this virus.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone right across the country who has answered our call to arms and rolled up their sleeves to get the jab. I encourage everyone over 23 to come forward and get the jab.”
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “I am delighted that we have reached another poignant milestone in our vaccines programme, with over 30 million people receiving the fullest possible protection from this virus.
“In the space of six months, the UK has made history after not only deploying a licensed vaccine to the first person in the world, Margaret Keenan, but also to tens of millions of others in the largest vaccination programme in our history.
“I encourage everyone to come forward for the vaccine, and for the crucial second dose when the offer comes. It could save your life and protect your loved ones.”
