Have your say: Will the government vaccinate 13 million people by mid-February?

With COVID vaccinations now taking place across the UK, the government has set a target of vaccinating over 13 million people by the middle of February.

Following the implementation of a third lockdown, Boris Johnson said the 13 million most vulnerable people would receive the jab by 15 February.

The prime minister said the top 4 priority groups – people in care homes and carers, those over the age of 70, frontline health and social care workers, and anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable – would be offered the vaccine.

Johnson said the total numbers for the first four Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) groups are a little higher than the 13 million target figure previously mentioned.

He said it will require the combined efforts of the NHS and the armed services, and that every part of government is working “absolutely flat-out” on the rollout.

COVID vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi said there will be a “massive acceleration” in numbers vaccinated in the coming days.

When asked if more than 2 million people needed to be vaccinated a week to reach the mid-February target of vaccinating almost 14 million people, Zahawi added: “You’re going to see that increase – the NHS have got a very clear plan.

“We’ve got a fantastic team working seven days a week, all hours, to deliver this.

“No doubt it is a stretching target. But I think it’s one that we should absolutely look to deliver.”

Watch: What you can and can't do during England's third national lockdown

Read more: UK scientists question COVID-19 vaccine dosing delay