More than 60% of U.K. adults have been given two doses of a Covid vaccine, but the Government’s view is that this isn’t enough to justify the easing of lockdown restrictions. The Prime Minister hopes that two-thirds of the adult population will be fully vaccinated by July 19th, creating a “wall of immunity“. Even then, he warns that “a proportion of the elderly and vulnerable may still succumb [to the virus] even if they have had two jabs”. The MailOnline has more on the latest milestone reached in the national vaccine roll-out.
More than 31.7 million over-18s have already had both doses, while 43.4 million – or 82.5% – have had their first jab, official statistics show.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed the figures, claiming the U.K. was now “so close to ensuring the entire adult population is protected”.
Number 10’s Vaccine Chief Nadhim Zahawi – who will likely brag about the achievement at a 5pm Downing Street press conference tonight – hailed the “extraordinary feat”.
Ministers have once again urged Brits to come forward for their vaccines, with the roll-out now on the final phase with all over-18s able to book an appointment.
Mr Zahawi said getting two doses was “absolutely vital” because of the rapid spread of the Indian variant, adding: “I urge everyone eligible to get their jab and help us get back to normality.” …
Number 10 has now pledged to offer a first dose of a jab to all over-18s by the new “terminus day” of July 19th, and have a separate goal of fully vaccinating two-thirds of adults by the same date.
Although the target is not a pre-requisite of easing lockdown, the Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to jab as many people as possible to finally end restrictions.
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