More than half of the UK’s adult population have now had two doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed the achievement, tweeting: “Another Important milestone today. 50% of all adults in the U.K. have had the protection of two doses.

“Thank you to a brilliant team. We keep going.”

Yesterday it was announced that three-quarters of adults in the UK had received a first jab.

A total of 26,422,303 second doses have now been delivered since the vaccination rollout began almost six months ago.

In England, 22,442,383 second doses have been given – equivalent to 50.7% of the adult population.

England is slightly ahead of the other three nations of the UK, with Scotland on 48.2% (2,137,618 second doses).

Meanwhile Northern Ireland is on 47.1% (684,398 second doses) and Wales on 45.9% (1,157,904 second doses).

It comes as coronavirus case rates have increased or stayed level across all age groups over the last week, Public Health England figures showed.

The most significant spike in cases is among people aged between 10 and 29, many of whom have yet to have the jab, according to PHE data.

Another Important milestone today. 50% of all adults in the U.K. have had the protection of two doses. Thank you to a brilliant team. We keep going. @Emily_JR_Lawson @maddymcternan @jonathanleach13 @NikkiKF @AHamiedNHS @NHSuk 💉💉💉

There were 72.3 cases per 100,000 people among this age group.

Dr Mike Gent, incident director for the COVID-19 response at PHE, said: “We are getting some increases in case rates once again, particularly in younger age groups who are not yet being vaccinated and are having regular testing.”

He said this was ‘to be expected’ as the country opens up and people begin to socialise.

The Government intends to offer all adults a first dose by the end of July.

It has set a target of offering both doses to everyone aged 50 and above by June 21.

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