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National coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine surveillance report, including estimated number of hospitalisations and deaths prevented.

Public Health England (PHE) has published its latest weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report.

13,000 deaths prevented

PHE estimates that 13,000 deaths have now been prevented in people aged 60 years or older in England up to 9 May 2021 (11,100 deaths in individuals aged 80 years and older, 1,600 in individuals aged 70 to 79 and 300 in individuals aged 60 to 69 years).

Estimates also indicate that the vaccination programme has prevented around 39,100 hospitalisations in those aged 65 years and over in England (approximately 4,700 admissions in those aged 65 to 74, 15,400 in those aged 75 to 84 and 19,000 in those aged 85 and over).

The method for analysing the approximate number of deaths and hospitalisations prevented by the vaccine programme now takes into account the impact of both first and second doses, due to more data being available. Previously, the method only used the impact of the first dose of vaccination on hospitalisations and deaths.

New analysis for the first time estimates that 2 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine provides around 85 to 90% protection against symptomatic disease.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock yesterday said:

This new data shows the vaccine saves lives and protects you from ending up in hospital with COVID-19.

The 13,000 deaths and the 39,100 hospitalisations that have been prevented are not just numbers. They are our family, our friends, our loved ones and a poignant reminder of the impact the vaccine is having.

With the threat of new variants, it’s never been more important to get the vaccine. We have now extended the call to 34 and 35 year olds, so when you get the offer, please get the jab.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, yesterday said:

As this data highlights, getting your vaccine is one of the most important ways to beat the spread of this terrible disease, protecting you and those around you. The vaccines are very safe and very effective.

Each vaccine dose delivered helps us prevent lives being lost and people becoming seriously ill, therefore protecting our hospitals. That’s why it’s so important that you get both doses of your vaccine as soon as they are offered to you.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi yesterday said:

This new data highlights the incredible impact that both doses of the vaccine can have, with a second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine providing up to 90% protection.

There is no better weapon to send this virus into retreat than our life-saving vaccines. A second dose is vital to ensure you have the strongest possible protection so we can return to normality and get back to the things we love.

More than 1 in 3 adults across the country are already fully vaccinated with both doses. I encourage everyone to book their jab as soon as they are offered it and join the millions who are protected from this virus.

Click here for the full press release