England's Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there are “huge logistical challenges” in rolling out the vaccine and confirmed the first 800,000 doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 jab are in the country and the next consignment is scheduled to arrive next week.
He told the Commons: “This week we will vaccinate from hospitals across the UK, from next week we’ll expand deployment to start vaccinations by GPs and we’ll vaccinate in care homes by Christmas.
“As more vaccines come on stream in the new year we will open vaccination centres in larger venues like sports stadia and conference halls.”
On what people should do when the NHS gets in touch with them about a vaccine, Mr Hancock said: “When that time comes, we have one clear request: please step forward for your country.”
Mr Hancock praised all those involved, adding: “Months of trials involving thousands of people have shown that this vaccine works and is safe, and by coming forward you’re taking the best possible step to protect yourself, your loved ones and protect the NHS.
“Help is on its way and the end is in sight, not just of this terrible pandemic but of the onerous restrictions that have made this year so hard for so many. But even while we can now see the route out, there’s still a long march ahead. Let’s not blow it now.
“There are worrying signs of the virus growing in some parts of the country, including parts of Essex, London and Kent, and over the coming weeks and months we must all keep following the rules to keep people safe and make sure we can get through this safely together.”
