First Covid-19 vaccine approved

Wilf Williams, strategic commander for the Kent and Medway NHS pandemic response, said:

“A vaccine being approved is great news and gives hope that we can get on top of the pandemic. But in Kent and Medway we have high infection rates and we cannot be complacent.

“We all need to keep working hard to break the chain of infection. Hands, face, space and all the requirements of being in Tier 3. Crucially, if you or someone in your household show symptoms of the virus, or are contacted by the Test and Trace services self-isolate straight away.

“The NHS across Kent and Medway has been working hard to prepare the vaccine programme. Everyone aged 18 and over will be offered the vaccine. In Kent and Medway that is around one million people.

“There will be lots more news coming in the weeks and months ahead. People will be invited for a vaccine based on a national priority list. Please be patient and avoid contacting GP surgeries or other services with general questions about the vaccine and when it will be available to you.”