Public Health England (PHE) COVID-19 vaccination programme UPDATE 23rd July 2021

Infections prevented by COVID-19 vaccines doubles to 22 million and deaths prevented rises to 60,000. PHE estimates that 60,000 deaths and 22,057,000 infections have been prevented as a result of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, up to 23 July. This is based on modelling analysis from PHE and Cambridge University’s MRC Biostatistics Unit.

The estimated number of deaths prevented has increased significantly since the most recent estimates were published, with the estimated number of infections prevented doubling in just 2 weeks. It was previously estimated that up to 9 July, around 37,000 deaths and 11,000,000 infections were prevented.

The methods used to estimate deaths and infections prevented are based on direct and indirect effects of the vaccination programme.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: These new figures are fantastic to see – 22 million infections have now been prevented across the country and 60,000 lives have been saved. That’s hundreds of thousands of people whose loved ones have been protected thanks to the vaccines’ remarkable protection. Day by day, jab by jab, we are building a wall of defence which is protecting our nation against the threat of this virus. Make sure to get the jab if you haven’t already and play your part in this historic effort.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at PHE, said: These figures show the vaccine programme’s remarkable impact on saving lives and reducing the spread of the virus. As cases have increased, the true scale of protection from the vaccine programme has become clear. Everyone that has come forward for their vaccine has played a part in this vital effort. It remains vital that everyone gets 2 doses of the vaccine, to protect you and those around you from COVID-19. You must book your second jab when invited, to gain maximum protection.

Minister for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim Zahawi, said: Over 84 million vaccinations have now been administered since our world-class vaccination programme began in December, by thousands of NHS workers and volunteers at thousands of vaccination sites. We can see the fantastic results of their efforts – 22 million infections prevented and 60,000 lives saved, an achievement we can all feel proud of. Play your part in the UK’s COVID-19 response – it couldn’t be easier to go to a pop-up vaccination site this weekend or book through the NHS website, and get the jab.