Covid: More than 75% of adults in the UK have had two doses of vaccine

More than 75% of adults in the UK have now received both doses of a Covid vaccine, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced.

A total of 86,780,455 doses have been administered in the UK, with 47,091,889 people receiving a first dose (89%) and 39,688,566 people receiving both doses (75%), according to the latest statistics.

Boris Johnson has praised the vaccine rollout as a "huge national achievement, which we should all be proud of."

The prime minister said: "Our incredible vaccine rollout has now provided vital protection against the virus to three-quarters of all UK adults."

"It’s so important that those who haven’t been vaccinated come forward as soon as possible to book their jab – to protect themselves, protect their loved ones and allow us all to enjoy our freedoms safely," Mr Johnson added.

The health secretary reacts to the vaccine milestone

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Three in four adults across the UK have now had both doses of the vaccine, which is incredible and a testament to the fantastic work of the NHS, volunteers and everyone involved in the rollout."

Mr Javid also confirmed preparations are under way to offer Covid booster jabs in the UK from next month, but a leading vaccine expert has suggested they are not needed.

He said the Government is awaiting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) but indicated that the plan is likely to be for over-50s to be offered a booster Covid-19 vaccine at the same time as a flu jab.

He said those who got their jabs when the vaccine rollout began in December last year will be prioritised.

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Speaking during a visit to a hospital in Milton Keynes on Tuesday, Mr Javid said: "When it comes to booster jabs we are waiting for the final advice from JCVI, that’s our group of independent clinical advisers, and when we get that advice we will be able to start the booster programme, but I anticipate it will begin in early September, so I’m already making plans for that."

He said the vaccine programme has created a "wall of defence" against Covid.

He said: "It’s massively reduced hospitalisations, deaths from Covid are mercifully low and that’s because of our vaccination programme."