Five MILLION Brits have had second Covid vaccine dose as NHS hits major milestone

FIVE million Brits have had their second Covid vaccine in a major NHS milestone.

Britain's record-breaking vaccine rollout saw 256,870 second jabs given in the past 24 hours. It brings the total second jabs to 5,205,505.

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And 124,415 first doses were given, meaning 31,425,682 have now received an initial injection.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: "Over five million people have now had their second vaccine dose. The vaccine is safe and effective, so when it's your turn, come forward and get the jab."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson added we have "reached another milestone in our vaccination programme".

He urged everyone to take up their second jab as soon as it is offered.

It comes as another 10 Covid deaths were recorded - the lowest level in six months.

Daily case also fell to levels not seen since mid-September yesterday.

Today it is only slightly higher, with 3,423 new cases in the last 24 hours.

It comes as:

• MP Margaret Ferrier put overnight stay on EXPENSES after travelling 700 miles with Covid
• Kirstie Allsopp angrily vows to boycott shops and pubs if government brings in vaccine passports
• Cops shut down Good Friday church service and threaten worshippers with £200 fines
• Families face paying £600 for Covid tests to go on foreign holidays this summer 

Those who have had both doses may be able to avoid the 10-day quarantine on their return from international holidays, it emerged earlier.

Anyone returning to Britain will have pre-departure Covid tests regardless of their vaccine status under current government plans - but those who have had both doses could get fewer tests after visiting low-risk countrie.

More details on the government's plans for non-essential international travel are expected on Easter Monday.

It also emerged that seven people have died from a blood clot after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine - but the medicine's regulator insisted the jab is safe.

Of 18.1million people who have had that jab, 30 people developed a blood clot.

MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine insisted the benefits of the vaccine "continue to outweigh any risks and the public should continue to get their vaccine when invited to do so".

Britain's vaccine rollout has been hugely successful and millions have been urged to book their slot now.

NHS chiefs said protection from the virus as some lockdown restrictions are eased is crucial.

Anyone who is eligible - in the top nine priority groups - and has not yet had their Covid jab, should do so.

It includes anyone over the age of 50, people with certain medical conditions regardless of age, those who live with a vulnerable adult and NHS and social care workers, including in hospitals and care homes.