ECHO readers have hailed the approval of the Covid-19 vaccine as "light at the end of the tunnel" after the huge breakthrough was announced this morning.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, paving the way for mass vaccination.
The UK has secured 40 million doses of the the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which is enough for 20 million people.
The roll out could start as soon as next week, with the military being drafted in to help distribute the vaccine.
Elderly people, staff and residents in care homes and frontline NHS workers will be among those prioritised to receive the vaccine first.
We asked our readers what their reaction was to the news this morning and hundreds of people replied, with many congratulating scientists on the breakthrough.
ECHO reader Denise Taylor said: "To be honest if it works id be so happy. I live on my own and haven't seen anyone since march as I am high risk and my mental health is getting worse the loneliness is bad.
"I'm used to living on my own, I like my own space but when your told you cant see people its very hard."
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Bid Maza: "When I got my TB vaccine I found my mother in tears, she was overjoyed that I would be safe, unlike her brother and sister who she had to bury!!
"I will cry when my children get this vaccine cos they will too be safe."
Johnny Molloy said: "Amazing news and a testament to the hardworking scientists that have worked so hard to create it in record time. Ignore the anti-vaxxer nonsense from people on social media - they're ignorant and scared.
"Vaccines are one of the great success stories of human history, and it's important to remember that people are using the internet to sow distrust in the new vaccines to further an agenda.
"The vaccine is safe and the vaccine is effective."
Also welcoming the news of the vaccine, ECHO reader Forshew said it means he will be able to hug his grandchildren again.
Writing on Facebook, Phil said: "I'll have it so I can hug my grandkids again. The risk if any is well worth it."
ECHO reader Kendra Sanders wrote: "My sleeve is already rolled up..where's the queue? I rather have the vaccine than live in lockdown indefinitely."
Deborah Connolly said: "Great news cannot wait to have it I work in the care so hope to be the first one to have it bring it on."
ECHO reader Leeannkayliegh Murphy said: "Light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccine or risk your life."
Helen Gammon said: "Fantastic news - well done to our clever scientists."
While Carol Campbell added: "Brilliant news cant wait to get it."
