More than 30 million people in the United Kingdom have received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest figures published by the government on Tuesday. According to government data, 41,830,546 people across the UK have now been vaccinated with a first dose (79.4 percent), while 30,204,738 people have had both doses (57.3 percent). New analysis by Public Health England (PHE) shows for the first time that 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalization from the Delta (B.1.61.2) variant. The analysis suggests the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 96 percent effective and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 percenteffective against hospitalization after both doses. The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by April 15 and is on track to offer a first dose to all adults by July 19, 2 weeks earlier than planned. NHS England has today extended the offer of a vaccine to everyone over the age of 23. By July 19, all those aged 50 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered their second dose. Commenting on the passing of a major milestone Health and Social Care 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 4 corners of this country have pulled together for one common purpose — to get the jab and fight this virus.rst dose by mid-May will be offered a second dose by July 19." UK Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "I am delighted that we have reached another poignant milestone in our vaccines program, with over 30 million people receiving the fullest possible protection from this virus." "In the space of 6 months, the UK has made history after not only deploying a licensed vaccine to the first person in the world, Margaret Keenan, but also to tens of millions of others in the largest vaccination program in our history." — SG
