• Through the Vaccines Delivery Plan, 125,000 doses have been administered in Sussex and East Surrey
• In total, more than 5 million doses have been administered to over 4.6 million people across the United Kingdom – meaning we are leading the world as we ramp up our vaccination programme

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan – the biggest vaccination programme in British history – that sets ambitious targets as the Government continues to ramp up its vaccine rollout.

Already in Sussex and East Surrey, 125,364 vaccinations have been administered, as part of plans to vaccinate the top four priority groups by mid-February. In the south east of England, 587,282 people have received a vaccine, with 660,633 doses administered in total across the area.

The United Kingdom is leading the way with its vaccination programme. So far, more than 5 million vaccinations have been administered to 4.6 million people – the fourth highest per capita, behind only Bahrain, the UAE and Israel. In addition, only two countries have administered more doses than the United Kingdom – China and the USA.

The Government’s Vaccines Delivery Plan sets out how it aims to administer 2 million doses of vaccines by the end of January, as well as offering vaccines to every elderly care home resident by the end of the month. So far, more than half of those over 80s and care home residents have received a vaccine.

On top of this, the Government is opening up new vaccination sites every day as part of the Vaccines Delivery Plan to ensure everyone is within 10 miles of a vaccination centre. 65 pharmacy sites are joining the programme this week and early next week with more to come.

Henry said;

“The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in our country’s history, has got off to a fantastic start thanks to the hard work of all of those involved.

“It’s great to see that so many people in our area have received the vaccine as we lead the world in our fight back against COVID-19.

“I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months and I urge everyone to do the same when they get the call up.”

The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock, said;

“Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and this historic rollout will cover every corner of the country. Community pharmacists have been phenomenal and will have a pivotal role to play in the continued expansion of the programme.

“Through the UK vaccine delivery plan, over four million people have already received their jab. From hospitals to pharmacies, sports clubs to places of worship – we’re making sure the vaccine is as accessible as possible.

“In the meantime it is vital everyone continues to play their part in this national effort by staying at home to protect the NHS.”