Covid-19 vaccine approval 'welcomed' by Chief Minister

The approval of a Covid-19 vaccine is being welcomed by Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK.

It was confirmed yesterday the UK had formally approved the Pfizer/Biontech jab - the Island's Health and Social Care Minister, David Ashford MHK, has said the first batch for the Island is expected to arrive 'over the next few weeks'.

First to get it will be care home residents and the staff who care for them.

Following the news, Mr Quayle says: "The approval today of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is a milestone in the fight against COVID-19.  2020 has been an incredibly difficult year and today’s news offers a path to a brighter 2021.

"The Isle of Man will have access to a supply of the 40 million doses the UK has on order.  Our supply will be proportionate to our population, ensuring equity across the British Islands as the vaccine is rolled out.

"A mass vaccination programme of this scope and scale is a significant and complex logistical exercise.  It will take time.  The most vulnerable groups will be prioritised for the vaccine, ensuring those at the highest risk are the first to benefit from the protection it offers."

More details on the vaccination programme will be given during today's government Covid-19 briefing at 4pm this afternoon.