Yesterday we reached a significant milestone in our vaccine rollout as we recorded more than 10 million people receiving their first dose of the vaccine.
Our vaccine programme is a testament to the monumental effort of NHS workers, volunteers and our armed forces who have been working tirelessly in every corner of the UK to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history.
Over 10 million people have now received their first dose of the vaccine, including 9 in 10 people aged 75 and vaccines having been offered to all elderly care home residents and staff in England and Wales.
Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and every single jab makes us all a bit safer. Thanks to the tireless efforts of all those involved, we are well on our way to hitting our target of offering vaccines to the top four priority groups by mid-February.
These top 4 groups account for 88% of COVID deaths, which is why the vaccines will play such a crucial role in saving lives and reducing the demand on the NHS.
World-first COVID-19 alternating dose vaccine study launches in UK
Today we have launched the world-first alternating dose vaccine trial – examining whether different vaccines can be used as part of a future two-dose regime.
As we continue to roll out the vaccine at record pace, our scientists are exploring how we might be able to use combinations of vaccines to best protect us against the virus.
That is why the Government are announcing new funding totalling £7 million to examine how vaccines work together. This funding will give our world leading scientists the resources they need to continue to study the effectiveness of combining vaccine doses as we continue to tackle this virus in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
It is important to note that anyone who has received their first dose will still receive the same vaccine as their second dose. The current programme of 2 doses of the same vaccine over 12 weeks remains unchanged.
Should the study show promising results, then the Government may consider reviewing the vaccine regimen approach if needed, but only if proven to be safe and recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
This is another brilliant example of British science, expertise and innovation leading the way in the global fight to defeat this virus – showcasing the UK’s world leading science and research sector at its very best.
For any more information on the alternating dose vaccine study, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-first-covid-19-alternating-dose-vaccine-study-launches-in-uk.
