COVID-19: Almost four in five of over-80s have received first dose of coronavirus vaccine

Almost four in five of those aged over 80 have received a first dose of a COVID vaccine, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Mr Hancock said 78.7% of all over-80s have received a coronavirus jab.

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“We’ve all, frankly, sacrificed too much and it’s so important that we protect lives,” the health secretary added, as he urged people to continue to abide by lockdown rules.

“We’re making progress with the vaccine, the end is in sight, and we cannot put that progress at risk.

“There’s a promise that better days lie ahead. We have to hold our nerve and persevere through this difficult winter.”

The government is aiming to offer a first dose of a COVID vaccine to 15 million of the most vulnerable – including all over-80s – by 15 February.

Across the UK on Sunday, another 220,249 people received a first dose of a COVID vaccine, with more than 6.5m having now been given a jab.

This was the lowest daily number of first dose vaccinations given since 18 January, and Mr Hancock warned that vaccine supply was “tight”.

The UK’s death toll has edged nearer to 100,000 with another 592 deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive COVID test, bringing the overall tally to 98,531.

The government also announced a further 22,195 coronavirus cases, the lowest daily rise in cases so far this year.

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