Over half of UK adults have been vaccinated with a second dose of the coronavirus vaccine, giving them the strongest possible protection.

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 66,180,731 vaccines between 8 December and 2 June, including 39,758,428 people with first doses (75.5 per cent) and 26,422,303 people with both doses (50.2 per cent), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against coronavirus from a second dose.

A Public Health England study shows that two doses of the vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant first identified in India. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is similar after two doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant dominant in the UK, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.

To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against coronavirus, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to eight weeks for the remaining people in the top nine priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Shortly after vaccinating three-quarters of adults with a first dose, I’m thrilled that we have now vaccinated over half of adults with the life-saving second dose.

“We know how important the second dose is to give protection, particularly against the Delta variant. That’s why we’ve brought forward appointments from 12 to eight weeks for the most vulnerable people. I encourage everyone who is eligible to join the millions who have the fullest possible protection from this virus. Let’s roll up our sleeves and put this pandemic behind us, once and for all.”