The UK has administered more than 15 million vaccines, according to official data.
According to the latest government data up to 12 February, a total of 15,091,696 vaccines against Covid-19 have so far been administered in the UK.
Of the total of 15 million, 14,556,827 were first doses and about 534,869 were second doses, an increase of 4,775 over the data published the previous day.
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped a combination of vaccines and new treatments would mean Covid-19 could be a “treatable disease” by the end of the year.
But concerns have been raised about the rate of vaccine uptake among some communities.
Hancock launched a direct call to anyone over the age of 70 who has not yet had the hassle of contacting the NHS over the weekend to book an appointment.
“I am determined to protect as many of our country’s most vulnerable people from this terrible disease as soon as possible,” he said. “Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic.”
Vaccine uptake has been mostly high, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) reported a 93% adoption rate among those over 75 in England.
The DHSC is now looking to work with community and charities in England to address concerns that make some reluctant to get the punch, while trying to dispel the “myths” circulating on social media.
Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, praised the staff for their efforts to reach millions of people with vaccines.
On a visit to Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust University Hospitals with May Parsons, the nurse who delivered the world’s first vaccination out of a clinical trial to Maggie Keenan in December, Sir Simon said: “It’s thanks to a fantastic staff as May that the NHS offers the fastest and fastest Covid vaccination program in Europe.
“The entire NHS has mobilized to protect the most vulnerable, with the support of communities joining volunteers, local authorities, the armed forces and local businesses.
“After a year of great pandemic pressure, it has been a huge and unique team effort that gives us real hope for the future.”
Additional PA Media Reports.