The British government has revealed that half of the UK’s adult population has already received the first dose of the COVID vaccine.
It also occurred when Pfizer (PFE) warned the EU to back down on its vaccine threat to stop supply to the UK.
According to the latest government data, more than 26 million people in the UK have received their first dose of the vaccine. However, the actual current total has yet to be updated and is expected to be published later.
On Saturday morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said more people received an injection of coronavirus on Friday than on any previous day – including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Yesterday we vaccinated more people than on any day,” he posted on Twitter (TWTR). “I am very happy to be able to say that we now vaccinate HALF of all adults in the UK.
He added: “The vaccine is a national success story – and our way out of this pandemic. When you get the call, get the vaccine.”
Britain and Northern Ireland are now about five million people short of their second target, which is to vaccinate the first nine priority groups by 15 April.
Boris Johnson also plans to give a first dose to everyone aged 18 and over in the UK by the end of July 2021.
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The news follows a warning from Pfizer, which told the EU not to block vaccines for the UK, as it depends “heavily” on vital Yorkshire ingredients, the Telegraph reported.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said earlier that she would stop exporting coronavirus vaccines to Britain unless Boris Johnson delivered British AstraZeneca jabs to the EU.
A Pfizer spokesman said: “We have been clear with all stakeholders that the free movement of goods and supplies across borders is absolutely critical for Pfizer and the patients we serve.
“We are working closely with governments around the world, including the UK Government and the European Commission, to ensure the supply of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine according to agreed schedules.”
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This is also because European countries have had to impose tougher restrictions amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, with France entering its third blockade in 16 regions, including Paris.
British scientists have warned that overseas holidays this summer will be “extremely unlikely” due to the risk of travelers bringing coronavirus variants back to the country.
The UK faces a “real risk” if people travel abroad, said Dr. Mike Tildesley.
Overseas holidays are not allowed under the current blocking restrictions and travelers must be quarantined when returning.
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