Studies are under way to determine if a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine will be needed this autumn.
Another trial is also taking place to conclude if children and teenagers should also have the jab.
Speaking in the House of Commons today (March 2), Matt Hancock said there may be a need for a third Covid-19 vaccination dose over autumn against new variants.
The Health Secretary said: “Whilst I am so proud of the work that we’ve done in this UK, in this United Kingdom, to both develop the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and also to buy vaccines from around the world that are safe and effective and be able to vaccinate everybody here at home, I’m also absolutely cognizant of the fact that vaccination around the world will be necessary.
“I was very pleased to see that Covax has started vaccinating in Ghana last week and while we do currently look as though we may have excess vaccines in the future, we have clearly committed that we will make them available around the world.
“Now, we know for sure that we seek to vaccinate with two doses every adult in the UK, there may well be a need for a third vaccination over the autumn against variants and there is currently a clinical trial considering the vaccination of under-18s.
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“So the exact number of vaccines that we will need for the UK population is not yet known, but we are absolutely keen to ensure that we then go on to support with vaccines as well as with money that we have already pledged to support the vaccination of the most underdeveloped parts of the world.”
Over-60s are now being called for their Covid vaccine as the Government remains on target to give all adults their first jab by August.
Mr Hancock said: “Given that our vaccination programme began 12 weeks ago today, from now we begin in earnest our programme of second vaccinations which ramps up over the month of March.
“I can assure the House that we have factored these second jabs into our supply projections and we’re on track to meet our target of offering a vaccine to all priority groups one to nine by April 15 and all adults by the end of July.”
