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New Phase In Vaccination Process Set To Begin In United Kingdom

New Phase In Vaccination Process Set To Begin In United Kingdom

The injection has now been offered to the top four priority groups

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The Covid-19 vaccination rollout is set to enter a new phase with the top four priority groups all now being offered the jab.

Yesterday, it was announced that more than 15 million people have now successfully received at least one dose of the vaccine - a target which was met a day ahead of schedule.

Now the rollout of the injection - which is being given in two separate doses - will expand to the over-65s and younger people in at-risk groups.

The first four priority groups include: residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults; all those over 80 and frontline health and social care workers; all those over 75; and all those over 70 and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

It's also possible that some people outside of the four main priority groups have received a dose as well, in a bid to prevent vaccines from going to waste.

Speaking about the UK reaching the target, Health secretary Matt Hancock released a statement that read: "I'm so proud of the team - we've hit this fantastic milestone in our battle against Covid-19. In less than 10 weeks we've jabbed over 15 million people across the UK.

"That's one in every four adults now starting to receive protection from this dreadful disease.

"This accomplishment is thanks to the incredible efforts of frontline NHS workers, vaccine volunteers, the armed forces and all those working in local and central government. The vaccine rollout shows what our country can achieve working together.

"There is so much more to do and I urge anyone eligible to step forward and take up their appointment. The vaccine is our route to freedom - we will beat this virus jab by jab."

This news comes after Hancock said that he hoped that advancements in treatment of the disease and vaccines could make Covid-19 a 'treatable disease' by the end of 2021.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Coronavirus, UK