Rollout saves more than 10,000 lives

MORE than 10,000 lives have been saved by the NHS Covid vaccination programme, according to data which was last night hailed as “fantastic” news.

Analysis from Public Health England shows the jabs have prevented 10,400 deaths in those aged 60 and older across the country. Health officials said the figure was likely to underestimate the value of the vaccines, as they would protect against future surges as well as reducing virus transmission.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact our pioneering vaccination programme is already having, with over 10,000 lives saved. That’s more than 10,000 families who haven’t suffered loss of a loved one. The science is clear: vaccines save lives.” The findings were published last night as ministers and scientists sought to reassure the public about the benefits of the vaccination programme, following the recommendation not to give under-30s the Astrazeneca jab, in case of an increased risk of blood clots.

The PHE analysis tracked mortality rates among over-60s in the first four months of the programme, comparing the observed number of deaths with those expected. It estimates that around 10,400 deaths were prevented to the end of March – 9,100 in those aged 80 and over, 1,200 in those aged 70 to 79 and 100 in those aged 60 to 69. Official figures now show cases are falling in all age groups, with separate data suggesting rates are at levels not seen since July. PHE figures show rates falling across the board, while latest findings from Kings College’s Zoe Covid Symptom study show a 54 per cent drop in a week.