2.5 million now have second Covid vaccine dose, says NHS England

More than 25 million people in England have been vaccinated with one dose

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Over 2.5 million in England have now received their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccination, with more than one-third of those happening in the last week, NHS England has said.

More than 25 million people in England have been vaccinated with one dose, with rates of receiving the second dose reaching a weekly high, with the number of people receiving their second dose reaching a new weekly high.

Roughly 900,000 people received their second jab in the last week, NHS England said, around double the rate for the previous week.

The priority is now on ensuring that those in the most vulnerable cohorts have been offered their vaccine, as the target of offering all priority groups their first vaccine by April 15 looms closer.

With a reduced supply of doses next month, NHS England is urging those aged 50 and older or those with an underlying health condition to come forward get their first jab.

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NHS England have also said 75 per cent of people aged 50-54 have been inoculated so far, double the numbers in the preceding week.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: "The NHS in England has now vaccinated 25 million people which is an unbelievable achievement by NHS staff across the country, who have continued to work at speed.

"At the same time as increasing second doses week on week, the NHS is reaching out to those 50-69 year-olds who haven’t yet taken up the offer to be vaccinated.

"If you are one of those people yet to book a first dose, please come forward and get your life-saving Covid-19 vaccine which will not only protect you but those around you."