LONDON (Reuters) – Britain will begin applying COVID-19 vaccines to people aged 65 and over on Monday as it approaches its goal of offering vaccines to 15 million people in priority groups, including the elderly. and first-rate health professionals.
The government set Monday as the deadline for delivering a first dose of vaccine to everyone in its four priority segments, including those 70 and older, a goal that seems likely to be achieved.
According to the latest official figures, 14.56 million people received an injection, allowing health officials to expand the program to those aged 65 to 69 and other clinically vulnerable people.
The National Health Service (NHS) reported that about 1 million people have already received invitations.
“Each blow to the arm is another step closer to returning to normal in the future and that is why we are now inviting the next priority group to make their appointments,” said Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi, in a statement.
Britain, which recorded more than 120,000 deaths from COVID-19, was the first western country to begin mass vaccination in December, and is ahead of other European countries in implementing vaccines.
Reporting by Michael Holden; Helen Popper edition