London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, May 31, 2025

Covid: More than 5m people fully vaccinated in UK

Covid: More than 5m people fully vaccinated in UK

More than five million people in the UK have received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The latest figures show an additional 246,631 second doses, bringing the total to 5.2 million.

It means 9.9% of over-18s have received both injections. First doses have been given to 31.4 million people.

As the vaccination programme takes effect, daily reported deaths fell to 10, their lowest number since 14 September.

However, reporting lags may mean lower than usual figures for deaths because of the bank holiday.

The UK also reported another 3,423 confirmed coronavirus cases.

In a post on Twitter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the "milestone" in the vaccination programme, adding: "I urge everyone to take up their second dose as soon as they are offered it."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it meant that 50% of over-80s have now had their second jab.


It comes as the UK begins to relax some coronavirus restrictions.

England has allowed gatherings outside of up to six people or as two households since Monday, while the reopening of outdoor hospitality and all shops is planned from 12 April.

Rules on visits to care homes in England will also be relaxed from 12 April to allow two regular visitors indoors, the government has announced.


Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have also begun to allow outdoor socialising.

But Mr Johnson has warned people against mixing with other households indoors over the Easter weekend, even if they have been vaccinated.

The number of second doses given has exceeded the figure for people getting their first jab on each of the last four days, as the government focuses on fully vaccinating the priority groups.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said that vaccinating the most vulnerable groups would address 99% of mortality from Covid-19.

The figure of 107,420 for first doses on Friday was the lowest since the government began publishing daily updates, although the bank holiday may have reduced available appointments.

Vaccinations and ongoing lockdown restrictions also mean the number of Covid patients in hospital has fallen to 3,536 at the last UK-wide count, its lowest level since 5 October.


Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said the latest figures were a testament to the work of volunteers and medical staff on "the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history" and "the fastest in Europe".

The prime minister has warned that the UK does not know "exactly how strong" its defences will be against a new wave of Covid-19 cases, as countries in Europe face rising infections and a slow vaccine rollout.

Italy has begun a strict three-day lockdown over Easter as it battles a third wave with about 20,000 cases a day.

France has also announced a third national lockdown, lasting for at least three weeks, as it faces a peak of about 5,000 people in intensive care.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
U.S. Justice Department Reduces American Bar Association's Role in Judicial Nominations
U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 'Doudna' Supercomputer to Advance AI Research
U.S. SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Binance Amid Regulatory Shift
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
U.S. Goods Imports Plunge Nearly 20% Amid Tariff Disruptions
OpenAI Faces Competition from Cheaper AI Rivals
Foreign Tax Provision in U.S. Budget Bill Alarms Investors
Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement
Gerry Adams Wins Libel Case Against BBC
Russia Accuses Serbia of Supplying Arms to Ukraine
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
Chinese Woman Dies After Being Forced to Visit Bank Despite Critical Illness
President Trump Grants Full Pardons to Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
Texas Enacts App Store Accountability Act Mandating Age Verification
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Vatican Calls for Sustainable Tourism in 2025 Message
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on iPhones Amid Dispute with Apple CEO
Putin's Helicopter Reportedly Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
Liverpool Car Ramming Incident Leaves Multiple Injured
Australia Faces Immigration Debate Following Labor Party Victory
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Founder Warns Against Trusting Regime in Nuclear Talks
Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife's Gesture as Playful Banter
Cleveland Clinic Study Questions Effectiveness of Recent Flu Vaccine
Netanyahu Accuses Starmer of Siding with Hamas
Junior Doctors Threaten Strike Over 4% Pay Offer
Labour MPs Urge Chancellor to Tax Wealthy Over Cutting Welfare
Publication of UK Child Poverty Strategy Delayed Until Autumn
France Detains UK Fishing Vessel Amid Post-Brexit Tensions
Calls Grow to Resume Syrian Asylum Claims in UK
Nigel Farage Pledges to Reinstate Winter Fuel Payments
Boris and Carrie Johnson Welcome Daughter Poppy
×