The UK’s coronavirus vaccination programme has been a rousing success in what has been a catastrophic coronavirus response. Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS workers and volunteer vaccinators, more than 14 million doses have now even administered across all four nations. Vaccinations are currently only being administered to particular groups, with the most vulnerable prioritised for a jab.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI’s) vaccine priority list breaks up the population into sections, generally by age range, which is a huge determiner in your risk to COVID-19, and by how clinically vulnerable you are.
The vaccine is currently being offered to:
- people aged 70 and over
- some people who are clinically extremely vulnerable
- people who live or work in care homes
- health and social care workers, regardless of age
NHS England said the top four priority groups in England “have now been offered the opportunity to be vaccinated”.
Anyone in these groups who has not taken up the opportunity to get their vaccine has been urged to come forward.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “We recognise that some groups feel more hesitant about getting a jab, or have more barriers, both physical and mental, preventing them from accessing one when it’s offered.
“Each shot in the arm brings us closer to beating this terrible virus.
“That’s why we are setting out our plan to make sure everyone is protected equally, by working hand in hand with those who know their communities best to make sure as many people as possible take up the offer of a lifesaving vaccination.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “It is so important that everyone aged 70 and over who hasn’t yet had a vaccination comes forward this weekend and contacts the NHS to book in their jab.
“Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and it is testament to the strength of our Union and the combined power of our United Kingdom that we’ve seen such incredible progress in the rollout of our vaccination programme.”
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said trusts “will welcome strengthened collaboration between the government, national bodies, charities and health organisations” as part of the plan “to build upon successful local initiatives and innovations, so that disparities can be eliminated”.
DON’T MISS
Covid reinfection symptoms: New variant symptoms [EXPLAINER]
Sturgeon’s ally confirms England border checks considered [REPORT]
Matt Hancock: ‘No holidays if vaccination rollouts are delayed’ [INSIGHT]
Which area has vaccinated the most people?
According to data released on February 11 2020 by the National Immunisation Management Service, East Midlands comes out on top for the most jabs given since vaccinations started on December 8.
The area with the least amount of doses given is London, with 1,265,617 doses of the vaccine given.
Wales has now vaccinated 715,944 people, reaching the target of offering the vaccine to the top four priority groups before the middle of February.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We are the first nation in the UK to have reached this milestone, other nations will follow in the next couple of days.
“We’re not in competition with one another.
“Every part of the UK is working as hard as it can to get to these milestones.”
Scotland has now vaccinated 1,048,747 people, and Northern Ireland has delivered 381,894 vaccinations.
The following are the rates for each area of England:
- East of England – 1,339,468
- London – 1,265,617
- Midlands – 2,087,248
- North East and Yorkshire – 1,720,178
- North West – 1,504,411
- South East – 1,787,624
- South West – 1,275,707
