Britain meets self-imposed target of 15 million vaccinations

Agencies | London

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The British government said on Sunday it had achieved its self-imposed goal of vaccinating at least 15 million residents against Covid-19 by mid-February.

In a video message shared on Twitter, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of a "significant milestone" and said the country had achieved an "extraordinary feat," Deutsche press agency (dpa) reported.

Nadhim Zahawi, who is in charge of the government's vaccine roll-out, tweeted: "15,000,000! Amazing team." According to figures on Saturday, 15,062,189 people had received their first vaccination.

Johnson laid down the aim of vaccinating 15 million people by February 15 at the beginning of the year.

Meeting the target is considered the first real success by Johnson's government in the coronavirus pandemic. Britain started its mass vaccination campaign on December 8. Three vaccines are now being used.

However, only around 537,000 people have received a second dose, which experts believe is what enables full protection. Britain has been among the countries in Europe worst-hit by the pandemic, with more than 115,000 related deaths.

Johnson is now set to present a "roadmap" for the relaxing of restrictions on February 22. According to a report from the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, first on the agenda is for meetings with a member of another household to be allowed, as well as picnics in the park. School openings are planned from March 8.