Every UK adult can have vaccine jab from today
BORIS Johnson declared the vaccine rollout one of Britain’s greatest achievements yesterday, as health chiefs braced for one last push to protect all adults.
Everyone can book their jab from today as the programme reaches the 18-20 age group.
The NHS urged people to get both doses and end the Covid pandemic for good.
The Prime Minister said: “Offering all adults a jab less than 200 days after the programme launched is one of our country’s greatest collective achievements, saving over 14,000 lives so far.
“I cannot thank NHS staff, the Army, volunteers, manufacturers and all those involved in this extraordinary national effort enough.
“Today sees vaccines accelerate in their race with the virus, so now let’s finish the job.
“If you haven’t yet, come forward and get your jab.”
More than 80 per cent of UK adults – 42.2. million – have now received at least one dose and 58 per cent – 30.6 million – a second.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the milestone was “truly a watershed moment”.
Writing in the Daily Express today, Sir Simon said: “We need everyone’s help to finish the job and protect the country.
“The vital truth is simply this: the more of us who are vaccinated, the safer we all are and the sooner freedom can return.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the rollout had moved at “lightning speeds” to reach four
in five of all adults, preventing 42,000 hospital admissions in England alone.
He said: “This is a momentous occasion in our national mission.
“In our race between the vaccine and the virus we’re approaching the final stretch and we are doing all we can to vaccinate people as quickly as possible with first and second doses. When you get the call, get the jab so we can put this pandemic behind us for good.”
The latest expansion comes 192 days after the first vaccine was given outside of a clinical trial to Maggie Keenan, 91, on December 8. Since then, more than 60 million doses have been dished out in England.
The NHS is redoubling efforts to ensure as many as possible get both doses in the race to slow the spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India.
Analysis by
Public Health
England (PHE) shows two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab were 96 per cent effective in preventing hospitalisation with the Delta strain. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was 92 per cent effective.
The NHS will send text message invitations to 1.5 million people aged 18-20. Covid Vaccination Programme lead Dr Emily Lawson said: “We know
that getting both doses is vital to maximising the positive impact of the vaccines.
“If you’re offered the chance to bring forward your second jab, please do so and, most importantly, come forward for both appointments.”
Daily Covid cases jumped to 11,007 yesterday, up 49 per cent compared with the previous Thursday and the highest since February 19. A further 19 virus deaths were also reported, up from seven a week earlier. The number of virus patients admitted to hospital rose 43 per cent in the week to Sunday.
PHE’s weekly surveillance report showed case rates rose in all age groups and regions.
They were highest in those aged 20 to 29, at a rate of 195.9 cases per 100,000 population, and lowest in the over 80s at 9.6 per 100,000.
PHE medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Two doses of either vaccine offers very high levels of protection against hospitalisation from all variants, including Delta.”
And she urged Euro 2020 fans: “Please, when going to fan zones or celebrating with friends, follow the guidelines in place and enjoy the tournament safely.”
Slowing
Meanwhile, some experts say the Covid rate of increase may be starting to slow.
The ZOE COVID Study estimated the UK R number stood at 1.2, down from 1.3 last week. Lead scientist Tim Spector of King’s College London, said: “The numbers this week seem to be slowing down.
“Areas with a high number of cases like Scotland and the Northwest are starting to level off.
“I’m predicting, based on past experience, that although we may not have reached the peak quite yet, within two weeks we will see cases beginning to drop again.”