More than 2.5 million people in England have now received a second dose of coronavirus vaccine, with more than a third of those occurring last week.
More than 25 million people in England have been vaccinated with their first dose, with the number of people receiving the second dose reaching a new weekly level.
Around 900,000 people received their second injection last week, NHS England said, about twice as many as the week before.
The focus is now on ensuring that those in the highest risk numbers have access to the vaccine, ahead of a target to offer their first vaccine by 15 April.
With a tighter supply of doses available next month, NHS England continues to urge people aged 50 and over or those with an underlying health condition to get the first injection. They said three out of four people aged 50-54 have been crushed so far, up from half last week.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: “The NHS in England has now vaccinated 25 million people, which is a remarkable achievement by NHS staff across the world. country, which has continued to work at a distance.
“At the same time as increasing second doses week by week, the NHS is reaching out to those aged 50-69 who have not accepted the offer of vaccination. If you are one of those people who have yet to take the first dose, try to come forward and get your life – saving Covid-19 vaccine that not only protects you but those around you. ”
Across the UK, government data up to 26 March shows that of the 33,020,952 injections given so far, 29,727,435 were the first doses – an increase of 411,305 on the previous day. The second dose was 3,293,517, an increase of 283,654.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “This is the latest major milestone in the rapid and focused progress in protecting people in England from coronavirus. .
“While dose stores will be tightened next month, anyone with a second injection should come forward, and our other priority is to remind everyone aged 50 and over or at age. they have a basic health condition that their first injection is available, now and throughout April. ”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last week that there would be a sharp drop in vaccine supply in April, confirming that supply had been hit with the need for 1.7m reassessment doses and delays in income. into India.
India has sold or dispensed around 59m doses of vaccine abroad, compared to the 37m it has delivered at home, with a further 38m distributed to state governments and awaiting practice.