70% of UK adults have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, says govt

70% of UK adults have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, says govt

Saudi Gazette report LONDON — More than 70 percent of adults in the United Kingdom have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest figures published by the government on Wednesday. Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 57.8 million vaccines between Dec. 8 and May 18, including 36.9 million people with their first dose (70.2 percent) and 20.8 million with both doses (39.6 percent), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose, the UK government said in a press statement. The government said it met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by April 15 and remains on track to offer the first dose to all adults by the end of July. Commenting on the passing on a milestone, UK Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines are turning the tide against this pandemic and I’m incredibly proud the UK has one of the highest uptake rates in the world, with 90 percent of people saying that they have had or will have the jab.” “Strong evidence shows the vaccines protect you and your loved ones from serious illness and they