'Extraordinary' NHS praised as one third of UK adults receive second Covid vaccine jab

9 May 2021, 17:57 | Updated: 9 May 2021, 18:00

The NHS has been praised by Boris Johnson
The NHS has been praised by Boris Johnson. Picture: PA

By Will Taylor

Boris Johnson has praised the "extraordinary efforts of NHS staff and volunteers" after a third of UK adults received their second coronavirus vaccine dose.

Ministers queued up to praise the "phenomenal rollout" of the jabs.

Government data released on Sunday shows 35,371,669 first doses have been given out, with 17,669,379 second jabs distributed.

The Prime Minister tweeted: "One third of adults in the UK have now had their second dose of the Covid vaccine, a testament to the extraordinary efforts of NHS staff and volunteers.

"Thank you to everyone who has made this happen.

"Get your jab when called."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "This milestone is yet more evidence of the huge national vaccination effort we are in the middle of.

Read more: New photos show the huge scale of UK's 'heroic' vaccine effort

Read more: EU refuses to renew Oxford Covid vaccine order as it backs Pfizer jab

Boris Johnson hails 15 million jabs as ‘significant milestone’

"I pay tribute to the huge team - NHS staff, councils and of course our wonderful volunteers who are working so hard to deliver vaccines in all parts of the United Kingdom.

"The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and tens of thousands of lives are being saved but the job is not yet done, I urge everyone, when the time comes, to get the jab."

The UK is among the leading countries for giving out first doses, having concentrated on getting as many out to begin with before following up with a second dose later.

Read more: Third Covid vaccine jab 'to be offered to over 50s in autumn'

Matt Hancock receives his first coronavirus vaccine

A further two deaths within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus were also reported on Sunday, bringing the total to 127,605.

A further 1,770 cases were also confirmed.

It brings the total to 4,434,860.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "The UK's vaccination programme has been a huge success and reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement.

"The phenomenal rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines is a testament to all involved from the scientists who developed them to the incredible NHS staff and volunteers delivering them.

"Everybody involved should rightly be proud of their contribution and I urge all those invited to step up and book in your jab, and play a part in our journey out of the pandemic and back to normality."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks breaks silence 20 years on

Police Line Do Not Cross ribbon on a London street following a suspected bomb reported in the area.

Schoolgirl, 10, dies after being bitten by family dog in North Yorkshire as police launch launch investigation

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn

Rebekah Vardy 'threatens to reignite war with Coleen Rooney'

Rebekah Vardy launches appeal against Wagatha Christie £1.8m costs ruling