more broadly than that, or whether we can hold the position and wait to see if it's necessary at a later point. the government says the nhs is ready to start offering boosters to the most vulnerable and first doses to 12 to 15—year—olds if they get the go—ahead. decisions on both are expected next week. katharine da costa, bbc news. the government has released the latest coronavirus figures for the uk. in the latest 24—hour period, the uk has recorded 37,622 cases and 147 deaths. that's within 28 days of a positive test. 48.3 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine, and 43.8 million the second dose. that's 81% of the adult population has been fullyjabbed. the covid infection rate in scotland has risen to its highest level since estimates began,