Matt Hancock ‘thrilled’ as first-dose vaccine total passes 30 million

The health secretary encourages those who have been invited to get their vaccine

Health secretary Matt Hancock says he is “absolutely thrilled” at Sunday’s news that 30 million people in the UK have received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine.

The milestone takes the total proportion of British adults who have been inoculated to 57 per cent.

Mr Hancock encouraged those that have not yet had the jab to come forward and do so when they are invited.

The Department for Health and Social Care has said that it is set to achieve the government’s target of offering all over-50s and the clinically vulnerable their first vaccine by 15 April.

Mr Hancock said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that more than 30 million people have now had the jab across the UK – including 650,000 vaccinations delivered yesterday.

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“The vaccine is saving lives and is our route out of this pandemic. I want to say a massive thanks to the team.

“When you get the call – get the jab.”

Vaccines 0inister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Vaccines save lives and are the best way out of this pandemic, so I urge everyone, regardless of race or religion, to come forward for the vaccine when it’s your turn.

“The NHS, GPs, pharmacists and volunteers will continue to do everything they can to vaccinate people as quickly as possible and I’m immensely proud of their tireless efforts to reach this milestone so quickly.”

The good news comes as the UK braces for a four-week reduction in vaccine supply caused by a delayed shipment from the Serum Institute of India, and because a batch currently in the UK needed to be retested.

The UK are also is expecting to receive its first shipment of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine in April, with an order of 17 million doses currently in place.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has stated that concerns over supply will not stop the government from being able to offer second doses to those awaiting them.