More than 5 million people in the UK have received their second dose of a coronavirus vaccine, with nearly one in 10 UK adults having now received both doses, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced.
Health services across the UK have now administered over 36.6 million vaccines between 8 December and 02 April, including over 31.4 million people with their first dose and over 5.2 million with their second.
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‘Our spectacular vaccination programme has now delivered over 5 million second doses, giving those most vulnerable to COVID - including half of all those aged over 80 - the best possible protection,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock.
‘This is vital so everyone can get the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 as we progress along the road to freedom, allowing us to reclaim the things we love.’
The news comes as Wales becomes the first country in the UK to roll out the Moderna jab, the third vaccine in use. The first doses were administered at the West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen on 7 April. The Moderna vaccine is a two dose vaccine given at an interval of between four and 12 weeks.
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‘This is another key milestone in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. A third vaccine for use in Wales significantly adds to our defences in the face of coronavirus and will help to protect our most vulnerable,’ said Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething.
‘Every vaccine given to someone in Wales is a small victory against the virus and we would encourage everyone to go for their vaccine when invited.’