Catalonia reaches 9 million vaccine doses milestone

Over nine million Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in Catalonia: 9,094,603 as of Friday, July 30, to be exact, something which "has really helped to slow down the spread and, in particular, the severity of the disease," according to public health secretary Carmen Cabezas.

The latest figures from the public health body Salut also show that 67% of over 18s are fully immunized. In other words, more than two out of every three adults resident in Catalonia have either received two doses, or the single-shot Janssen vaccine, or one dose of another vaccine after having had Covid-19.

Over five million people in Catalonia have received at least one dose, another milestone reached this week.

As for young people aged 16 to 29, 40% have had at least one jab, while 10% have been fully vaccinated. 

Health authorities are keen to maintain momentum with the vaccination program over the summer vacation period.

"Vaccines are available and it is important not to slow down, not to lower our guard at the moment, given the current situation," Cabezas said. "That's why we want people to keep getting vaccinated, even over the holidays," she added.

Anyone over 16 in Catalonia can make an appointment for a vaccine via vacunacovidsalut.cat.

The public health secretary also reminded people to follow other safety measures, such as maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, prioritizing outdoor activities, and staying in social bubbles. "If we have symptoms or are in quarantine, we stay at home," she concluded.