Sajid Javid made the comments in a tweet that said he had made a "full recovery" from Covid-19.
On Sunday, he deleted the tweet and issued an apology after he was accused of being insensitive to the families of victims.
"I've deleted a tweet which used the word 'cower'," he said.
"I was expressing gratitude that the vaccines help us fight back as a society, but it was a poor choice of word and I sincerely apologise.
"Like many, I have lost loved ones to this awful virus and would never minimise its impact."
Earlier, the opposition Labour Party accused him of being "deeply insensitive" after he wrote: "Please – if you haven't yet – get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus."
He had been urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as cases in the UK continue to rise.
Labour MP David Lammy criticised Mr Javid in a tweet, saying "129,000 Brits have died from Covid under your government’s watch".
"Don’t denigrate people for trying to keep themselves and their families safe," Mr Lammy said.
Munira Wilson, an MP for the Liberal Democrats, said Mr Javid's comments were a slight against those who adhered to Covid-19 restrictions throughout the pandemic.
"His careless words have insulted every man, woman and child who has followed the rules and stayed at home to protect others," she said.
"He owes them all, especially the millions who are shielding, an apology."
Campaign group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice said his remarks were insensitive.
“The new health secretary's comments are deeply insensitive on a number of levels," the group said.
“Not only are they hurtful to bereaved families, implying our loved ones were too cowardly to fight the virus, but they insult all those still doing their best to protect others from the devastation this horrific virus can bring.
“Words matter and the flippancy and carelessness of this comment has caused deep hurt and further muddied the waters of the government's dangerously mixed messaging.
"We hope the Health Secretary will find time to meet with us and others who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 for us to be able to explain why these comments are so hurtful."
Mr Javid was appointed Health Secretary last month after Matt Hancock was forced to stand down.
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
The biog
Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer
Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
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The story of Edge
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
