More than 80% of people aged 16 and over in the UK have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced.
A total of 43,535,098 people have received 2 doses (80.1%) and 48,292,811 people have received one dose (88.8%). More than half of all teenagers aged 16 to 17 in England have already received their first jab, just over 4 weeks after the green light was given for this age group to be offered the vaccine. To further drive vaccine uptake among younger adults and children eligible for the jab, a new campaign has launched this week across social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
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‘It is a phenomenal achievement that 4 in 5 adults across the UK have now received both COVID-19 vaccines, which have built a wall of defence around the UK and are allowing us to live safely with this virus,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.
‘It is fantastic to see so many leading companies doing everything they can to help encourage young people to get the jab – from TikTok to MTV, as well as other household names who have already rallied behind the rollout like Uber. Getting your vaccine has never been easier, and I urge everyone to continue to play their part by getting the jab to protect themselves, their families and their communities.’
Young people aged 16 to 17 can find their nearest vaccination site through the NHS online walk-in finder, with more sites opening up every day. The NHS is texting millions of teenagers inviting them to come forward for a jab. Those who are within 3 months of their 18th birthday can book in through the national booking service. Children aged 12 to 15 who are clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 or who live with adults who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus are also being contacted by the NHS and invited for their vaccine.
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‘It is extremely encouraging to see the enthusiasm young people have shown in getting their life-saving vaccinations, and we want that to continue,’ said Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi.
‘We’re continuing to improve access and encourage uptake – with pop-up centres appearing in places of worship, music venues and sporting grounds – and continued support from major names such as TikTok is fantastic to see.’