Number of first vaccine doses in UK drops to lowest daily level since early January

6 April 2021, 17:46 | Updated: 6 April 2021, 18:50

The number of daily first doses of the Covid vaccine has dropped to its lowest level since the start of the year
The number of daily first doses of the Covid vaccine has dropped to its lowest level since the start of the year. Picture: PA
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

The number of first coronavirus vaccine doses administered in the UK on Monday dropped to its lowest daily level since early January.

Figures published today on the government's official Covid-19 database show first vaccination numbers have dropped to their lowest level since the data started being released on 10 January.

It shows that on Easter Monday, 40,744 people received their initial dose, a drop on the previous day's total of 48,055.

However, yesterday did see 64,590 individuals receive their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while on Easter Sunday stood at 47,708 - the lowest since 14 March.

However, three-fifths of adults have now been vaccinated, according to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who tweeted: "Fantastic that 3 in 5 adults have now been vaccinated across the UK.

"Thank you to everyone involved in the vaccine roll-out - we're making great strides in our national effort."

It comes as the country recorded another 2,379 infections and 20 more deaths over the latest 24-hour period.

Numbers have often dropped on previous Sundays and the four-day bank holiday weekend could explain the recent drop in inoculations.

Read more: Daily Covid deaths 'should stay below 100 even in third wave'

Read more: 'Link' found between Oxford jab and blood clots, EMA official says

Figures show vaccination numbers dropped to the lowest level since data began being published
Figures show vaccination numbers dropped to the lowest level since data began being published. Picture: Gov.uk

Ministers had previously warned that, amid possibly vaccine shortages in April, first doses could drop off to ensure people receive their second dose within 12 weeks of their first one.

However, the government is maintaining its promise to offer every adult in the UK a first jab by the end of July.

So far, 31,622,367 people - or three in five adults - have received their first dose, while 5,496,716 people - more than one in 10 - have been given their second.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, 126,882 people in Britain have died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus and there have been 4,364,529 infections.

However, separate figures where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate show there have been almost 150,000 deaths.

Read more: Cheaper tests could be used as PM aims to make travel 'easy as possible'

Explained: How vaccine passports will work and if they will be needed for the pub?

Vaccines Minister says there are no vaccine supply issues

Earlier on Tuesday, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi told LBC presenter Nick Ferrari there are no vaccine supply issues in the UK.

"Supply is always challenging and supply is finite, as you're seeing around the world," he said.

"But I'm confident that both Pfizer and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine - we've got Moderna about to deploy as well and then the Janssen vaccine once it gets regulatory approval - will be available to us.

"So I'm confident that we'll meet our targets and will certainly be up there as one of the top countries around the world in terms of vaccinating our people and then, of course also, proudly offering the vaccine through Covax to the rest of the world, which we're already doing by funding Covax to £548 million."

However, it comes as the head of vaccines at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said there is a link between the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and rare blood clots.

Will the Oxford jab roll out be halted? LBC ask Vaccines Minister

In light of the announcement, the UK's medicines agency reiterated that people should get their jab when invited.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said officials are conducting a "thorough and detailed review" into reports of "very rare and specific types of blood clots with low platelets following the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca".

But they stressed that "no decision has yet been made on any regulatory action" and CEO Dr June Raine encouraged people to "continue to get their vaccine when invited to do so".

The comments come after Marco Cavaleri, who is one of the top officials at the EMA, told Italy's Il Messaggero newspaper: "In my opinion, we can say it now, it is clear there is a link with the vaccine."

He added that it was not clear what had caused such a reaction and the EMA have since distanced themselves from the comments.

Meanwhile, new modelling by Imperial College London has suggested daily Covid deaths will stay below 100 even if there is a resurgence of the virus.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Emergency workers walk amid buildings that were damaged after an overnight strike on June 14, 2025 in Ramat Gan, Israel

Three dead and dozens injured after Iran fires retaliatory missiles at Israel

Exclusive
Denis Kopanev, 33, from London, was due to meet his friend Diego in São Paulo on Tuesday but vanished from his Airbnb

‘There’s something very odd about it’: Friends of British tourist missing in Brazil say he was ‘in good spirits’ as they fear he’s been kidnapped

A large police presence met protesters in Portadown town center this evening after a leaflet was shared on social media calling all residents of the Co.Armagh town to march on the homes of so-called Migrant gangs

Petrol bombs thrown at police during fifth night of Northern Ireland disorder

Turin, Italy. 2nd Feb, 2025. The FIFA Club World Cup trophy made by Tiffany on display at half time of the Serie A match at Allianz Stadium, Turin. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News

2025 Fifa World Club Cup: How to watch as US tournament begins

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC