Vaccine: Mark Harper discusses rollout targets

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More than 15 million people in the UK have now had the first dose of the Covid vaccine, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson described as a “significant milestone”. The target was drawn in December 2020, to vaccinate 15 million by February 15, and the Government has managed to meet it. The rollout is now being expanded to the over 65s and the clinically vulnerable. But in good news, the over 50s, which were expected to be the last group on the list, will be able to have the vaccine by March in nine different areas – here they are.

Vaccine rollouts in the west of England appear to be leading the way so far.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed on Sunday that everyone over 50 will be offered the first dose at least by April 15, rather than May as previously suggested.

The Government previously said it hoped to reach all adults over 18 by the Autumn, but Mr Johnson is aiming to accelerate that timeline.

Mr Hancock also confirmed one-in-three adults in England have now had their vaccine.

Nine areas of the UK are expected to have administered the Covid vaccine to over 50s by March.

• These areas are:
• Gloucestershire
• Bristol
• Devon
• North Somerset
• Cornwall
• Suffolk
• Staffordshire
• Leicestershire
• West Yorkshire

Asked about the speed of lockdown lifting, Mr Hancock said: “It is right to be cautious, it is incredibly important.

“There are still almost 20,000 people in the hospital with Covid right now. Almost 20,000.

“The vaccination programme, whilst clearly going well, will take time to be able to reach all people who have significant vulnerability, especially because we need to get the second jab to everyone.

“So we have got time that needs to be taken to get this right.

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“The Prime Minister will set out the roadmap tomorrow (Monday) and he will set out the full details, taking into account that we need to take a cautious but irreversible approach, that’s the goal.”

On Monday, February 22, Mr Johnson will address the nation for plans to ease lockdown over the coming months.

The Prime Minister is also expected to outline the speed of the vaccination scheme going forward, and what that means for Brits.

NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said on Sunday: “The NHS Covid vaccination campaign continues full steam ahead.

“Letters inviting everyone aged 65 to 69 went out a week ago, and already over two-thirds of them have had their first Covid vaccination.

“Across England overall, nearly a third of adults have now had their first jab, and early signs suggest this is contributing to the welcome fall in coronavirus hospitalisation that we’re now seeing.”

The Prime Minister is understood to balance news of the accelerating vaccine programme with a “cautious and phased” route out of lockdown restrictions.

All pupils are expected to return to school on March 8, while care home residents will soon be allowed one regular visitor to come and see them.

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