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 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 & 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 reaching the milestone is a “magnificent achievement for the country”.
In a video on his Twitter, he 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.”
The Duke of Cambridge has also urged people to keep on taking the Covid-19 vaccination so “younger generations” will feel “it’s really important for them to have it”.
Everyone over 50, as well as front-line health and care workers, and those with certain underlying health conditions, are expected to have been offered their first dose of the Covid vaccine by mid-April.
The next phase of COVID vaccinations will continue to prioritise people by age and not their occupation to avoid slowing down the rollout.
People aged 40-49 will be the next in line to get a vaccine after all vulnerable groups and the over-50s are covered, the government said.
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