Doctor Hilary Jones has urged Brits not to get ahead of themselves after reports circulated that a coronavirus vaccine 'would be ready for Christmas.'
Over the weekend American physician and immunologist Dr Anthony Fauci claimed COVID-19 vaccines could be approved within months and similar claims have also been by the head of an NHS trust in England.
TV medic Dr Hilary was quizzed on the news by Lorraine Kelly on Monday morning and, while optimistic, said that even if a vaccine was ready it would be a while until it is made available to the wider population.
He reacted: "It is lovely to have something to look forward to for a change; a bit of optimism instead of bad news.
"Glen Burley, Chief Executive of George Elliot Hospital in Warwickshire, has sent an email to staff saying be ready for a NHS vaccination programme which could start in December before Christmas for health care workers and perhaps for vulnerable patients as well.
"This is the first time we have heard it could be ready by December, however we don't know that for sure yet."
Predicting when the general public could be vaccinated and explaining the Government's position on it, Dr Hilary, who revealed that 200 vaccines are under development across the globe, added: "For most people it will be spring or even summer next year.
"The Government have passed some legislation that suggests as long as we know it is safe we wouldn't have to wait for EU approval, providing it is done before the end of the Brexit transition period.
"Everyone is looking for the end of the pandemic and it could come partly from a vaccine. Even if it is 50% effective it's better than what we've got."
