A hospital worker who is expected to be among the first in Northern Ireland to receive the coronavirus vaccine has described its approval as a "big relief".
Michael Palmer, who works in administration at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, said the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine getting the green light is the "best news this year".
The 28-year-old from Newtownards said staff were informed earlier this week about plans for the vaccine to be rolled out.
Health and social care workers - including care home staff - will be among the first priority groups as well as care home residents, Stormont's health department said.
Mr Palmer said: "I feel great - it's a really big relief. Obviously having to stay in all the time has had a big impact on mental health.
"Everyone was wondering when the vaccine would come and finally now we're getting it.
"It will be all health and social care staff who get it first as far as I know. Admin would be coming into contact with doctors and nurses because we're working in the same building."
He said staff had been told the first vaccinations were scheduled from December 14 for an initial eight-week period, but Health Minister Robin Swann has since said this may "come forward by a few days".
Mr Palmer said: "It's an eight-week period so nobody actually knows when they're getting it, so the specifics are to be confirmed."
On the vaccine's approval, he added: "I'm obviously really happy about it and it will be great to get things going again."
