Four in five people aged 16 and over double vaccinated

Latest figures indicate that four in five people aged 16 and over in the UK have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

A total of 43,535,098 people have received two doses (80.1 per cent) and 48,292,811 people have received one dose (88.8 per cent). The government also says that more than half of all teenagers aged 16 to 17 in England have already received their first jab, just over four weeks after the green light was given for this age group to be offered the vaccine.

To further drive vaccine uptake among younger adults and children eligible for the jab, a new social media campaign has launched targeting both parents and under 18s. Spread over social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as radio stations, the message for 16 and 17 year olds is ‘don’t miss out on half terms plans, good times, and the Covid jab’, while parents will be reassured the vaccine keeps everyone safe, protects families and helps keep teenagers’ ‘life on track’.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is a phenomenal achievement that four in five adults across the UK have now received both Covid-19 vaccines, which have built a wall of defence around the UK and are allowing us to live safely with this virus.

“It is fantastic to see so many leading companies doing everything they can to help encourage young people to get the jab – from Tik Tok to MTV, as well as other household names who have already rallied behind the rollout like Uber. Getting your vaccine has never been easier, and I urge everyone to continue to play their part by getting the jab to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”