Vaccination milestone with more than 20m Britons given first jab

More than 20 million people in the UK have now been given their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the government has said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on social media that it was a “huge national achievement” and praised the NHS staff, volunteers and armed forces for their work in the vaccine rollout.

He tweeted: “20 million people across the UK have now got the jab – a huge national achievement and a testament to the tireless work of NHS staff, volunteers, the armed forces and many more.

“I urge everyone to get the jab when called. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against Covid.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20m people against coronavirus was a “magnificent achievement for the country”.

In a video on his Twitter, Mr Hancock said: “I’m absolutely delighted that over 20 million people have now been vaccinated across the UK – it’s absolutely fantastic.

“I want to thank every single person who’s come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.”

Mr Hancock urged everyone eligible for the vaccine to come forward and added: “Every jab in the arm is another life soon to be protected from this awful disease and means we are a step closer to returning to our normal lives.”

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted: “Bingo! One score over 20,000,000 people have had the vaccination (first dose).

“What an achievement for February 2021. What a team! Proud to be with you on this journey.”

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “Vaccinating 20 million people – including 17 million across England – in a few short weeks shows the NHS vaccination campaign is firing on all cylinders, and looking out to Easter and beyond it’s full speed ahead.”

NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopkins has also praised the milestone as a “great credit to everyone involved” in delivering the vaccines including trusts and volunteers – but warned that “now is not the time to let down our guard” or ease restrictions.

“As we set out in our recent briefing, we need to see more progress on vaccines, lower Covid-19 case numbers, much less pressure on the NHS and plans in place to contain future outbreaks before easing restrictions.”