LONDON — More than 36 million people in the United Kingdom have been vaccinated with one dose and 20 million have received two doses, the government said in a press release. According to the government press release, health services across the UK have now administered a total of 56,677,012 million vaccines between Dec. 8, 2020, and May 15, 2021, including 36,573,354 million people with their first dose (69.4 percent) and 20,103,658 million with their second (38.2 percent). The milestone comes as government announces that appointments for the second dose of a vaccine will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups yet to receive their second dose. This is to ensure people across the UK have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity. Commenting on the passing the milestone, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We have more great news about the vaccination rollout and are making extraordinary strides as 20 million people now have the fullest possible protection from this virus — huge thanks to the team for hitting this milestone.” He also said that the latest real-world data has once again demonstrated how effective the vaccine is at providing life-saving protection, with two doses of the Pfizer vaccine providing 97 percent protection against mortality. “Receiving a second dose is vital to ensure you have the ultimate protection from this deadly virus — I encourage everyone to book their jab as soon as they are offered it,” Hancock added. Meanwhile, UK Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “20 million people have received the strongest protection from this virus — another incredible milestone.” He said that it is inspiring to see the incredible public response to our call to arms to get the jab. We have one of the highest vaccine uptake rates in the world, but our work is not done yet. “It’s time to redouble our efforts on the second dose, so please come forward for the second jab as it could be a life-saving extra boost of protection,” the vaccines minister added.