UK decision to delay second vaccine dose credited with saving ‘large number of lives’

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed the “exciting new data” as “extremely good news”.

The decision to delay second doses of vaccine to ensure more older people are protected quickly has been praised. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

A decision by the UK government to delay second doses of Covid vaccines in an effort to jab more older people has been credited with saving a “large number” of lives, after data suggested hospital admissions are being greatly reduced by the rollout.

The “exciting” and “hugely reassuring” results from a Public Health England (PHE) study have indicated that the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective in reducing infections among those aged 70 and over.