Even if that figure is correct, that statement was unequivocally and demonstrably false. We really should not be making excuses for politicians lying to the pub

Even if that figure is correct, that statement was unequivocally and demonstrably false. We really should not be making excuses for politicians lying to the public; it is never acceptable, and we have every right to demand better. Turn it around. The antivaxxer types can now claim, correctly even, that officials lied multiple times about the efficacy of the countermeasures. That is not the kind of ammunition you want to be giving out during the next public health crisis.