The Midsomer Norton MP writes:

Last week, the Covid Vaccination Deployment Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, wrote to Members of Parliament to update them on the latest developments on the Government's immunisation rollout.

The Government pledged that by 19th July 2021 it would have offered every adult a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and it would have given two doses to two thirds of all adults. This followed the Prime Minister's decision to delay the lifting of lockdown to stage four, allowing for another 7 million extra doses to be administered the United Kingdom (UK).

As of 14 July 2021, I am pleased to report that over 46 million people in the UK have received their first jab, accounting for 87.5% of the adult population. Over 35.3 million people have received two doses so 67.1% of all adults now have the maximum level of protection against the virus.

Last month, the Department received advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's (JCVI) stating that those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in phase one of the programme are likely to be offered a booster with equal emphasis on deployment of the flu vaccine where eligible. However, final decisions on the timing, scope and cohort eligibility of any COVID-19 vaccine booster programme will be confirmed once the JCVI has provided its final recommendations alongside considerations related to COVID-19 vaccine supply and approvals by the MHRA.

As we begin to open up – domestically and internationally – it is a great comfort to know that the Government's plan is on track and that these inoculations are working to protect people against serious illness and death.

Please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected] / www.jacobreesmogg.com.