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Covid vaccine: How many people in the UK have been vaccinated so far? Covid vaccine: How many people in the UK have been vaccinated so far?
(1 day later)
More than 10 million people in the UK have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine - part of the biggest inoculation programme the country has ever launched.More than 10 million people in the UK have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine - part of the biggest inoculation programme the country has ever launched.
In a race against a faster-spreading variant of the virus, ministers have pinned their hopes of ending a third national lockdown on protecting the most vulnerable groups by spring.In a race against a faster-spreading variant of the virus, ministers have pinned their hopes of ending a third national lockdown on protecting the most vulnerable groups by spring.
But there are huge challenges, not least the unprecedented scale and supply demands, but also the need for rigorous safety checks and deep-freeze storage.But there are huge challenges, not least the unprecedented scale and supply demands, but also the need for rigorous safety checks and deep-freeze storage.
How is the rollout going?How is the rollout going?
The government aims to offer vaccines to 15 million people - those aged 70 and over, healthcare workers and people required to shield - by mid-February and millions more people aged 50 and over and other priority groups by spring.The government aims to offer vaccines to 15 million people - those aged 70 and over, healthcare workers and people required to shield - by mid-February and millions more people aged 50 and over and other priority groups by spring.
They are thought to represent 90-99% of those at risk of dying from Covid-19.They are thought to represent 90-99% of those at risk of dying from Covid-19.
With the UK's National Health Service (NHS) now looking likely to hit the mid-February target, some regions of the UK have already begun inviting the over 60s - a group planned to be reached by the end of the month.With the UK's National Health Service (NHS) now looking likely to hit the mid-February target, some regions of the UK have already begun inviting the over 60s - a group planned to be reached by the end of the month.
The number of doses given has been steadily climbing each day - with a current seven-day average of more than 400,000.The number of doses given has been steadily climbing each day - with a current seven-day average of more than 400,000.
The campaign to reach as many people as quickly as possible was boosted by a shift in policy in early January - to prioritise the first dose of a vaccine, with a second dose up to 12 weeks later, a bigger gap than originally planned.The campaign to reach as many people as quickly as possible was boosted by a shift in policy in early January - to prioritise the first dose of a vaccine, with a second dose up to 12 weeks later, a bigger gap than originally planned.
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Overall, more than 10 million people have now received a first dose in the UK. More than 500,000 of those have received a second dose. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described it as a "hugely significant milestone" in the national effort against the virus.Overall, more than 10 million people have now received a first dose in the UK. More than 500,000 of those have received a second dose. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described it as a "hugely significant milestone" in the national effort against the virus.
This progress means the UK continues to be among the countries with the highest vaccination rates globally.This progress means the UK continues to be among the countries with the highest vaccination rates globally.
But within the UK, there is some regional variation - especially between the nations.But within the UK, there is some regional variation - especially between the nations.
Many places have now vaccinated more than 80% of people aged 80 and over.Many places have now vaccinated more than 80% of people aged 80 and over.
Gloucestershire has reached the highest proportion at 95%. East London has reached the fewest with just under 70% having had the first dose.Gloucestershire has reached the highest proportion at 95%. East London has reached the fewest with just under 70% having had the first dose.
Overall London, is still lagging behind the rest of England.Overall London, is still lagging behind the rest of England.
The speedy rollout of the vaccine to all vulnerable people is seen as critical to reducing the pandemic's death toll and relieving pressure on the NHS.The speedy rollout of the vaccine to all vulnerable people is seen as critical to reducing the pandemic's death toll and relieving pressure on the NHS.
After the first four priority groups receive their jabs, the programme will move onto people aged 50 and over and those with underlying health conditions.After the first four priority groups receive their jabs, the programme will move onto people aged 50 and over and those with underlying health conditions.
From spring, the government plans to begin vaccinating the rest of the adult population, another 21 million people. Teachers, transport workers, supermarket workers and the military could be prioritised.From spring, the government plans to begin vaccinating the rest of the adult population, another 21 million people. Teachers, transport workers, supermarket workers and the military could be prioritised.
Will a vaccine give us our old lives back?Will a vaccine give us our old lives back?
Covid vaccine: When will you be eligible?Covid vaccine: When will you be eligible?
Where are the vaccines coming from?Where are the vaccines coming from?
The UK is currently receiving doses of two vaccines approved by the medicine regulator.The UK is currently receiving doses of two vaccines approved by the medicine regulator.
The Pfizer-BioNTech jab - the first to be given the green light in December - is being imported from Puurs, Belgium.The Pfizer-BioNTech jab - the first to be given the green light in December - is being imported from Puurs, Belgium.
A second vaccine, from Oxford University and AstraZeneca, is being made in Britain, by two biotech companies:A second vaccine, from Oxford University and AstraZeneca, is being made in Britain, by two biotech companies:
Oxford BioMedica, based in OxfordOxford BioMedica, based in Oxford
Cobra Biologics, based at Keele Science Park, StaffsCobra Biologics, based at Keele Science Park, Staffs
Another company, Wockhardt, based in Wrexham, fills the vials and packages them for use.Another company, Wockhardt, based in Wrexham, fills the vials and packages them for use.
Supplies of a third vaccine to be approved, made by US company Moderna, will come from Switzerland or Spain but are not expected to be available until spring.Supplies of a third vaccine to be approved, made by US company Moderna, will come from Switzerland or Spain but are not expected to be available until spring.
The UK is also lined up to receive at least three other vaccines if they are approved for use.The UK is also lined up to receive at least three other vaccines if they are approved for use.
A jab manufactured by US firm Novavax will be made in Stockton-on-Tees in north-east England, while another by French company Valneva will be made in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland.A jab manufactured by US firm Novavax will be made in Stockton-on-Tees in north-east England, while another by French company Valneva will be made in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland.
The third by Belgian firm Janssen, owned by Johnson & Johnson, should also be available later this year.The third by Belgian firm Janssen, owned by Johnson & Johnson, should also be available later this year.
Are there hold-ups?Are there hold-ups?
There are a number of challenges in what is called the vaccine "supply chain" - the logistics of how the jab gets from manufacturers to people.There are a number of challenges in what is called the vaccine "supply chain" - the logistics of how the jab gets from manufacturers to people.
Getting enough supplies in the first place, checking those supplies are up to scratch and transporting vaccines according to their requirements have all thrown up difficulties.Getting enough supplies in the first place, checking those supplies are up to scratch and transporting vaccines according to their requirements have all thrown up difficulties.
Pfizer has warned the number of doses of its vaccine will be lower than expected this month because the company is upgrading its factory in Belgium in order to increase production in March.Pfizer has warned the number of doses of its vaccine will be lower than expected this month because the company is upgrading its factory in Belgium in order to increase production in March.
Production of the Oxford vaccine is also two months behind schedule, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot has told la Repubblica, causing delays to supplies to the European Union. However, the Anglo-Swedish company says it will still be able to meet the demands of its deal with the UK.Production of the Oxford vaccine is also two months behind schedule, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot has told la Repubblica, causing delays to supplies to the European Union. However, the Anglo-Swedish company says it will still be able to meet the demands of its deal with the UK.
On top of supply pressures, the government has also referred to the "rate-limiting factor" of batch testing - the process of ensuring vaccines released by manufacturers are safe and up to standard.On top of supply pressures, the government has also referred to the "rate-limiting factor" of batch testing - the process of ensuring vaccines released by manufacturers are safe and up to standard.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) requires vaccines to be checked by the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) to ensure they are effective, structurally intact and free of contaminants.The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) requires vaccines to be checked by the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) to ensure they are effective, structurally intact and free of contaminants.
This process can take a long time as it has to be done twice - before and after the vaccine enters vials. Ensuring a batch is sterile can take two weeks.This process can take a long time as it has to be done twice - before and after the vaccine enters vials. Ensuring a batch is sterile can take two weeks.
To deal with the challenge, the NIBSC had scaled up its capacity so "multiple batches can be tested simultaneously" and more technical staff are being taken on.To deal with the challenge, the NIBSC had scaled up its capacity so "multiple batches can be tested simultaneously" and more technical staff are being taken on.
There are also challenges when transporting the vaccines.There are also challenges when transporting the vaccines.
While the Oxford vaccine can be stored in fridges and transported in regular refrigerated vans or cool boxes, the Pfizer jab - made from genetic material - needs to be stored at -70C to prevent it from degrading.While the Oxford vaccine can be stored in fridges and transported in regular refrigerated vans or cool boxes, the Pfizer jab - made from genetic material - needs to be stored at -70C to prevent it from degrading.
This means it needs to be transported in a carefully controlled deep-freeze delivery chain.This means it needs to be transported in a carefully controlled deep-freeze delivery chain.
How the vaccine will reach your armHow the vaccine will reach your arm
Can we jab our way out of lockdown?Can we jab our way out of lockdown?
How will people be vaccinated?How will people be vaccinated?
People will be vaccinated in three main ways, at:People will be vaccinated in three main ways, at:
local GP practices and community pharmacieslocal GP practices and community pharmacies
hospital hubshospital hubs
major vaccination sites across the countrymajor vaccination sites across the country
The government has urged the public to "play their part" in supporting "the largest vaccination programme in British history", including helping people attend their appointments.The government has urged the public to "play their part" in supporting "the largest vaccination programme in British history", including helping people attend their appointments.
In England, more than 1,500 sites, including GPs' surgeries, community pharmacies and hospital hubs, are offering vaccination services.In England, more than 1,500 sites, including GPs' surgeries, community pharmacies and hospital hubs, are offering vaccination services.
They also include 90 major vaccine sites which have been set up in larger premises, such as sports centres, racecourses and showgrounds, which are capable of giving jabs to thousands of people a week.They also include 90 major vaccine sites which have been set up in larger premises, such as sports centres, racecourses and showgrounds, which are capable of giving jabs to thousands of people a week.
In Wales, the vaccine is being distributed at GP practices and by mobile units. And they hope to have 35 mass vaccination centres up and running in the coming weeks.In Wales, the vaccine is being distributed at GP practices and by mobile units. And they hope to have 35 mass vaccination centres up and running in the coming weeks.
In Scotland, as well as GPs surgeries, pharmacies and hospital hubs, there will also be a number of larger vaccination sites, including 16 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.In Scotland, as well as GPs surgeries, pharmacies and hospital hubs, there will also be a number of larger vaccination sites, including 16 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
Thousands of people have been trained to deliver the vaccines, with thousands more set to join the effort. The charity St John Ambulance Brigade is among those helping out.Thousands of people have been trained to deliver the vaccines, with thousands more set to join the effort. The charity St John Ambulance Brigade is among those helping out.
And a further 21 quick-reaction vaccination teams will also be ready to deployed anywhere around the country, commander of military support to the vaccine delivery programme Brig Phil Prosser says.And a further 21 quick-reaction vaccination teams will also be ready to deployed anywhere around the country, commander of military support to the vaccine delivery programme Brig Phil Prosser says.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says no-one should have to travel more than 10 miles for a jab.Prime Minister Boris Johnson says no-one should have to travel more than 10 miles for a jab.
Is there enough vaccine?Is there enough vaccine?
The UK has ordered 407 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccines - three of which have so far been approved for use.The UK has ordered 407 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccines - three of which have so far been approved for use.
Among them are 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine - enough to inoculate 50 million people.Among them are 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine - enough to inoculate 50 million people.
This, when combined with the 40 million ordered Pfizer jabs, will cover the entire population, the health secretary has said.This, when combined with the 40 million ordered Pfizer jabs, will cover the entire population, the health secretary has said.
The UK also has significant orders of the newly-approved Moderna vaccine.The UK also has significant orders of the newly-approved Moderna vaccine.
But having vaccines on order is not the same as having them ready to go.But having vaccines on order is not the same as having them ready to go.
Of the 100 million Oxford jabs ordered, only 530,000 were ready for nationwide rollout on 4 January. Although, the government has said this number will rise to "tens of millions" by the end of March.Of the 100 million Oxford jabs ordered, only 530,000 were ready for nationwide rollout on 4 January. Although, the government has said this number will rise to "tens of millions" by the end of March.
Pfizer says the number of doses it has sent to the UK is now "in the millions".Pfizer says the number of doses it has sent to the UK is now "in the millions".
The company says that although shipments to the UK will be affected by upgrades to its production process, overall the country would receive the agreed volumes for the first three months of the year.The company says that although shipments to the UK will be affected by upgrades to its production process, overall the country would receive the agreed volumes for the first three months of the year.
Of those vaccines still waiting for authorisation, some 60 million doses of the Novavax jab - shown to be 89.3% effective in large-scale UK trials - are set to be made in Stockton-on-Tees.Of those vaccines still waiting for authorisation, some 60 million doses of the Novavax jab - shown to be 89.3% effective in large-scale UK trials - are set to be made in Stockton-on-Tees.
The first doses of the 30 million Janssen order, which has announced that its single dose vaccine is 66% effective, will be available later this year.The first doses of the 30 million Janssen order, which has announced that its single dose vaccine is 66% effective, will be available later this year.
And 60 million of the 100 million Valneva doses on order could start to be delivered by the end of 2021, with the remaining 40 million next year.And 60 million of the 100 million Valneva doses on order could start to be delivered by the end of 2021, with the remaining 40 million next year.
Preliminary Valneva results from clinical trials are expected in April.Preliminary Valneva results from clinical trials are expected in April.
LOOK-UP TOOL: How many cases in your area?LOOK-UP TOOL: How many cases in your area?
YOUR QUESTIONS: We answer your queriesYOUR QUESTIONS: We answer your queries
GLOBAL SPREAD: How many worldwide cases are there?GLOBAL SPREAD: How many worldwide cases are there?
THE R NUMBER: What it means and why it mattersTHE R NUMBER: What it means and why it matters
TEST AND TRACE: How does it work?TEST AND TRACE: How does it work?
Design by Lilly Huynh, Irene de la Torre Arenas and Sana Jasemi. Additional reporting by Smitha Mundasad. Regional vaccine map and chart by Daniel Dunford and Wesley Stephenson.Design by Lilly Huynh, Irene de la Torre Arenas and Sana Jasemi. Additional reporting by Smitha Mundasad. Regional vaccine map and chart by Daniel Dunford and Wesley Stephenson.
Will your vaccine appointment be the first time you have left home in a long while? Have you or your loved ones been making a special effort for the occasion? Send your photos or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk.Will your vaccine appointment be the first time you have left home in a long while? Have you or your loved ones been making a special effort for the occasion? Send your photos or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk.
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