The NHS in England has confirmed that one third of adults in England have now had both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Latest data shows that 14,871,208 people aged 18 and over had received their first and second dose of the jab with more than two thirds of adults having already had their first jab.

It means that, in total, NHS staff have delivered more than 44 million people in total and second doses remain a priority.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said: “Yet another incredible NHS milestone has been reached as one in three adults in England have now had both doses of the covid vaccine –  meaning that they have maximum protection from the virus.

“Reaching this milestone is no accident – it is down to months of hard work and everyone in the NHS who has played a role in this, is helping to protect millions of people from serious illness and saving lives. We can all be rightly proud of what we have achieved as we get more of the population fully vaccinated over the coming weeks and months. So when you are invited for your vaccine, please do book in – it is simple, effective and will protect you and your loved ones.”

Health Matt Hancock said: “This has been a truly national effort, with NHS and care staff and volunteers coming together across the UK to deliver the vaccine at an incredible pace, saving thousands of lives. One jab at a time, the approved vaccines are helping to send this virus into retreat, with coronavirus cases and deaths now at their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer when it comes so we can put this pandemic behind us.”