More than 20 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine in the UK, the health secretary has said.

Matt Hancock offered his “huge thanks” to the team and called it a “magnificent achievement for the country”.

In a video posted on Twitter he added: “I’m absolutely delighted that over 20 million people have now been vaccinated across the UK – it’s absolutely fantastic.

“I want to thank every single person who has come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.”

He added: “There’s a long way still to go but we’re making big strides.”

I’m delighted more than 20 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated.

A magnificent achievement for the country.

The vaccine is our route out. When you get the call, get the jab! pic.twitter.com/HCwxpqn7RN

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted: “BINGO! One Score over 20,000,000 people have had the vaccination (1s dose). What an achievement for February 2021. What a team! Proud to be with you on this journey.”

The figure for the number of people to have received their first vaccine dose was just over 19.6 million yesterday.

The figures showed 768,810 people had received both doses.

NHS England has said that another two million more people are about to get letters inviting them to get vaccinated.

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