Britain became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer vaccine and has been ramping up vaccine efforts ever since. Up to Monday, January 25, a total of 6,853,327 people had received a first dose and 472,446 a second dose. Lockdown restrictions are in place across the UK, and the government has said the vaccination rate and the success of the vaccinations are key to being able to ease restrictions.
On Tuesday the deaths from coronavirus in the UK surpassed 100,000, a figure which saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson offer his condolences.
Mr Johnson said: “I am sorry to have to tell you that today the number of deaths recorded from Covid in the UK has surpassed 100,000, and it is hard to compute the sorrow contained in that grim statistic.
“The years of life lost, the family gatherings not attended and, for so many relatives, the missed chance even to say goodbye.
“I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one: fathers and mothers; brothers and sisters; sons and daughters and the many grandparents who have been taken.”
Read More: Will the UK run out of vaccines? EU threatens controls amid shortages
Can I book a Covid vaccine?
The coronavirus vaccines are being issued to certain age groups, workers and those with specific health conditions.
Currently, the government has set itself the task of offering vaccination to everyone 70 and over, those who are clinically vulnerable, frontline health and social care workers and older adults in care homes by mid-February.
You cannot book a coronavirus vaccine outright, instead, the NHS will be in contact with those eligible when it is their turn.
Your Covid vaccine appointment should take 30 to 45 minutes.
This will include:
- being checked in using your booking reference numbers
- answering questions about your medical history
- having the vaccination
You will need to:
- have two doses of the coronavirus vaccination at two appointments
- book both appointments at the same time
- get the 2nd dose 11 to 12 weeks after getting your 1st dose
You may feel some mild side-effects from the vaccine, such as an achy arm where the jab took place.
You may also feel under the weather or generally tired, but this should ease within a few days.