The NHS Vaccination Programme in England has hit another major milestone by delivering 70 million doses of the life-saving coronavirus jab.

The health service has averaged almost 10 million doses given each month since delivering the first in the world, outside of clinical trials, in December 2020. More than 39 million people have now had at least one dose – around nine in 10 of the adult population – and well over 30 million people are now fully vaccinated against coronavirus after receiving two doses.

While nearly seven in 10 people aged 18 and over are fully protected, health leaders are urging anyone yet to get their jab, particularly young people, to come forward and take up the offer to protect themselves, their friends and family.

Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy senior responsible officer for the vaccine programme, said: “The NHS has delivered 70 million doses across England in just over seven months, giving protection against coronavirus to more than 39 million people and saving thousands of lives from this deadly disease. This milestone could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of NHS staff and volunteers up and down the country, working day in and day out to deliver the biggest vaccination drive in health service history.

“Although almost seven in 10 adults are now fully vaccinated, as we see a rise in Covid cases in the community once again, there has never been a more important time to get yourself protected: it remains the best way to protect yourself, your friends and your family, so particularly young people who are yet to come forward, this is the single most important thing you can do this weekend.”