Vaccine given to 15 million in UK as PM hails ‘extraordinary feat’
The figure was reached just over two months after the first vaccine dose was given in the UK on 8 December.
Boris Johnson described it as a “significant milestone” and an “extraordinary feat”.
It comes as the government is expected to announce on Monday it has met its pledge to offer a jab to everyone in the top four priority groups in the UK.
From Monday, the vaccine rollout is being expanded to include over-65s and those deemed clinically vulnerable.
Sunday’s daily coronavirus figures show 15,062,189 people have now received an initial dose - after 505,362 first jabs were given out on Saturday.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said it was a “remarkable shared achievement” - reached 10 weeks after the first vaccine was administered in the UK.
With trends ever downwards, any persistent upward movement would probably indicate a “Fourth Wave” but, given the success of the the combined lockdown/vaccination program, that may never happen … :023:
The UK’s coronavirus alert level is going down to four. It means the risk of the NHS being overwhelmed in the coming weeks has fallen.
The country has been at level five - the highest - since early January.
Why has the alert level gone down?
The level has been changed because the number of people in hospital is falling and “the threat of the NHS and other health services being overwhelmed within 21 days has receded”.
The decision was announced in statement by the UK’s chief medical officers and NHS England’s national medical director.
Level four means coronavirus transmission remains “high,” and health services are still “under significant pressure with a high number of patients in hospital”.
“Transmission rates, hospital pressures and deaths are still very high,” the statement added.
A change in alert system does not automatically mean restrictions can ease, but it helps to inform government decisions on lockdown rules.
Do you feel, some relief, since receiving your first vaccine?
I never thought,I’d be saying this, but I really do…so I believe, “ Now” that I was meant to have it, felt lousy after having it,the following day…but nothing ,compared to catching that darn virus…I feel safe.
Mags, I thought this was your thread…sorry, my mistake.
