Accelerated Rollout Reaches 26.3 Million as Omicron Threatens to Surge

The UK has achieved a significant milestone, with half of its adult population now having received a Covid-19 booster dose, following the swift acceleration of the vaccine rollout in response to the Omicron variant.

As of this week, 26.3 million people aged 18 and above have received their booster shots, with the government touting the UK’s booster programme as one of the fastest in the world.

Boris Johnson celebrated the achievement on Twitter, announcing a record number of 936,480 people received their vaccine doses in a single day. He urged the public to continue supporting the vaccination efforts, writing: “That means 50% of adults have now received a booster dose. Our NHS is working flat out getting lifesaving booster jabs into arms. Please play your part and Get Boosted Now.”

Booster bookings have been expanded to all eligible adults, with online appointments and walk-in clinics now available across the country, including at hospitals, pharmacies, and pop-up sites at football stadiums.

In addition, 750 members of the armed forces have been deployed to assist the NHS and thousands of volunteers in ensuring the smooth operation of the expanded booster programme.

The rapid rollout aims to protect the public and prevent the further spread of Omicron, as experts continue to monitor the situation.