More than 75% of adults living in the UK have now received both doses of the vaccine, as announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
According to the latest statistics, a total of 86,780,455 doses have been administered in the UK, with 47,091,889 people receiving a first dose (89%) and 39,688,566 people receiving both doses (75%).
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “Our incredible vaccine rollout has now provided vital protection against the virus to three-quarters of all UK adults.”
“It’s so important that those who haven’t been vaccinated come forward as soon as possible to book their jab – to protect themselves, protect their loved ones and allow us all to enjoy our freedoms safely.”
This news comes alongside the fact that this week Britain recorded its highest COVID-19 death toll since March.
146 new deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test on Tuesday, the highest daily total since 12 March.
However, there is strong evidence that the vaccines are working, as deaths and hospital admissions are much lower after the most recent wave of cases than before.
Some 622 COVID deaths were recorded in the past seven days, up 15% on the week before but well below weekly death tolls above 8,000 at the start of 2021.
Additionally, the UK’s vaccine booster programme has come under some criticism from the head of the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has plans in place to begin a COVID-19 booster shot programme to vulnerable groups next month.
Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, who led the team that created the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, said decisions on whether to give boosters “should be scientifically driven”.
“The time we would need to boost is if we see evidence that there was an increase in hospitalisation – or the next stage after that, which would be people dying – amongst those who are vaccinated.
“And that is not something we are seeing at the moment.”
Lilly Subbotin
This is a syndicated feed from Pharmafile
