More than 55.4% of people in the UK vaccinated with both doses for the fullest possible protection.
Over 70 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered to adults in the UK, the latest figures published today (Friday 11 June) show, as the vaccination program continues at an unprecedented pace and scale.
With 70,253,625 doses administered in total, 41,088,485 people across the UK have now been vaccinated with a first dose (78%), while 29,165,140 people have had both doses (55.4%).
The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer the first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England has extended the offer of a vaccine to everyone aged 25 and over this week.
A recent study by Public Health England (PHE) shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant is similar after 2 doses compared with the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalization and death.
To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.
The move followed updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern.
The government and its scientific experts are monitoring the evolving situation and rates of variants closely, and will not hesitate to take additional action as necessary.