More than half the UK population have now received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – a true UK success story. We have administered a total of 46.3 million vaccines across the UK, including over 12.5 million second doses, helping to cut infection rates and reduce the spread of the virus.

We have offered vaccinations to everyone in the nine highest priority groups – a significant milestone in our vaccination programme. This means more than 33.6 million people have been given the precious protection vaccines provide against Covid-19 and that we can now move forward with completing essential second doses and making progress towards our target of offering all adults a vaccine by the end of July.

With a total of 46.3 million vaccine doses already administered and with two-thirds of 45 to 49-year-olds having now received their first dose, we are able to move on to another phase of the vaccine rollout. From today, the vaccine rollout in England has opened to 44 year olds, with around half a million more people being invited to book their Covid-19 jab – marking another step forwards in our path back to a more normal way of life. We are strongly encouraging everyone to get their Covid-19 jab when offered and to help with this, we have launched a TV advert and poster campaign to encourage under-50’s to get vaccinated. To book or manage your coronavirus vaccination, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.

Each jab administered is taking us one step closer to normality, and whilst our vaccine rollout is going from strength to strength, we all have a part to play in keeping up the progress by getting the jab when offered.

Supporting India in their fight against COVID-19

Yesterday the Government announced that we are sending lifesaving medical equipment to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19 – standing side by side with our Indian friends in the global battle to defeat this virus.

The situation in India in their battle against COVID-19 is deeply worrying, with the country reporting its highest numbers of new daily cases and deaths since the pandemic began and facing severe shortages of oxygen.

That is why the Government are sending shipments of over 600 pieces of vital medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India, with the first shipment arriving tomorrow. This equipment will provide vital medical treatment to prevent the tragic loss of life from this virus. We will continue to work closely with the Government of India to identify what further assistance we can provide.

The fight against Covid-19 is a global effort and the Government will do everything we can to support the international community in this battle, helping to save lives across the world. 

For more information on the life-saving medical equipment that the Government are sending to India, including comments from the Prime Minister and Health Secretary, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sends-life-saving-medical-equipment-to-india.