The British government has revealed that half of the British adult population has now received a first dose of COVID vaccine.
It also came when Pfizer (PFE) warned the EU to put back its vaccine threat to stop supply to the UK.
According to the latest government figures, more than 26 million people in the UK have had 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 had a coronavirus jab on Friday than on any previous day – including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Yesterday we vaccinated more people than any day,” he posted on Twitter (TWTR). ‘I am delighted to say that we have now vaccinated half of all adults in the UK.
He added: “The vaccine is a national success story – and our way out of this pandemic.
Britain and Northern Ireland are now about five million people short of their second target, namely to vaccinate the first nine priority groups by 15 April.
Boris Johnson also aims 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 has told the EU not to block vaccines to the UK as it is ‘strongly’ dependent on key ingredients from Yorkshire, reports the Telegraph.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said earlier that she would stop exporting coronavirus vaccines to Britain unless Boris Johnson handed over the British AstraZeneca jabs to the EU.
A Pfizer spokesman said: ‘It has been clear to all stakeholders that the free movement of goods and cross-border supply is absolutely essential 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 delivery of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine according to agreed schedules.”
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This is also because countries in Europe have had to impose stricter restrictions amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, with France set to make its third exclusion in 16 regions, including Paris.
British scientists have warned that overseas holidays will be “extremely unlikely” this summer due to the risk of travelers returning coronavirus variants to the country.
The United Kingdom faces a ‘real risk’ when people travel abroad, said Dr. Mike Tildesley said.
Foreign holidays are not allowed under the current lock-in restrictions, and travelers must return in quarantine.
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