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Over 30 million Brits double jabbed as vaccine rollout races on to beat Delta variant

OVER 30 million people in the UK have now had both their Covid jabs.

More than 41 million Brits have had a first jab, with the rollout speeding up to beat the Delta variant.

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Well over half of UK adults have had both jabs with almost 80 per cent having had their first[/caption]

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Second doses are increasingly vital, so this is an incredibly important milestone.

“Day after day, our vaccination programme reaches new heights.

“With over 30 million people across the UK now receiving a second dose, we are giving the fullest possible protection to our loved ones in the face of new variants.

“The strength of the union has never been clearer than in the UK vaccination effort. All four corners of this country have pulled together for one common purpose – to get the jab and fight this virus.

It comes as:

“I want to pay tribute to everyone right across the country who has  answered our call to arms and rolled up their sleeves to get the jab. I encourage everyone over 23 to come forward and get the jab.”

By 19 July, all those aged 50 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered their second dose.

And today a health chief announced all over 18s will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of this week.

It will be the last group of adults invited to get their jab, less than seven months after the programme started.

It comes after it was revealed two Covid jabs stops hospitalisation from the Delta variant by up to 96 per cent.

Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca’s vaccines are hugely effective against severe illness when double dosed, encouraging new data revealed yesterday.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “I am delighted that we have reached another poignant milestone in our vaccines programme, with over 30 million people receiving the fullest possible protection from this virus.

“I encourage everyone to come forward for the vaccine, and for the crucial second dose when the offer comes. It could save your life and protect your loved ones.”

The Prime Minister last night told the nation June 21’s “Freedom Day” will be delayed by four weeks.

This is to get as many people doubled jabbed as possible to help stave off the virus and its mutations.


The PM said: “Vaccination greatly reduces transmission and two doses provides a very high degree of protection against serious illness and death.”

New Public Health England data shows that after two doses the Pfizer vaccine is 96 per cent effective against hospitalisation and the AstraZeneca slashes the risk by 92 per cent.

This is similar to the effectiveness against the Alpha variant, originally called Kent, which ripped through the country in December – but was beaten back thanks to the jabs rollout.