The bigger picture

The Covid-19 vaccination programme began in the UK on 8 December 2020 and is the biggest vaccination programme in the UK’s history. By the end of May 2021, nearly 65 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered and 75 per cent of the adult population had received their first dose. People must have both doses of a vaccine in order to have maximum protection and this will be achieved a few weeks after the second dose. 

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, and it is unclear how much being vaccinated will reduce the risk of passing on Covid-19. It is important that people continue to take the recommended precautions to protect themselves as well as their family, friends and colleagues. This includes practising social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands carefully and frequently, opening windows to allow fresh air in and following the current guidance.