A 91-year-old man who was one of the first to receive a Covid-19 vaccine interrupted ITV host Piers Morgan today during an interview on Good Morning Britain and asked him, "Who are you?"
The fun moment came when Martin Kenyon was asked yesterday on V-Day, the first day of the UK's largest mass vaccination program, if he should get the Pfizer / BioNTech boost on V-Day at Guy & # 39; s Hospital in London.
Morgan named Mr. Kenyon's grandchildren, Leo, seven, and Molly, ten, before adding, “I actually know a lot about you, Martin, because I've found you such a brilliant interviewee. I also discovered and that was extraordinary … & # 39;
But then Mr. Kenyon interrupted him and said, “Well who are you? Who are you? & # 39; Amid the masses of laughter in the studio with co-host Susanna Reid, Morgan added, “Okay, let's talk about who we are. My name is Piers Morgan. «
Reid said it was "brilliant" and added "shots fired" – and Mr Kenyon added, "He" is now laughing at his own jokes. "The retiree went on," How are you, how are you? "Then Morgan replied," It's nice to meet you. "
Also in the interview, Mr. Kenyon shared how he decided to call the hospital for an appointment after having a "very strange" dream about people dropping by for dinner and having no side effects since the bite.
He said, “I had a dream the night before that I had never done this before, so it was obviously an indication of what was happening. Lots of people came for dinner and I remember who they were and they had women, that sort of thing.
"Usually not … I don't dream, very strange, I suddenly woke up at 8:30 yesterday morning and said," I'm going to call Guy & # 39; s Hospital and see if I can come and get vaccinated. "
He added that he was having trouble parking and said, “It was hell, I usually take the bus to see Guy and go, but now I drive my car everywhere to avoid being poisoned or poisoned by other people. & # 39;
Mr Kenyon also spoke to CNN anchor Cyril Vanier yesterday, telling him how he had a "pretty nasty lunch" before showing a "very non-exciting" card given to him by the hospital.
Speaking of how he got the vaccine, Mr. Kenyon said, “I called Guy's Hospital, which I know very well because I've lived in London for most of my adult life, and I said, “What kind of thing is that you are? do the vaccination "and they said" yes "and then they spent several times asking me questions about this and that, not very interesting.
"I said 'yes, no, yes, no' and they said well, come on at 12:30 pm Of course I couldn't find anywhere to damn well park my car so I was late. Anyway, here I am and I am came in and they duly put me on the list.
I went out and had lunch pretty nasty and then came back and they were ready for me. And no, it didn't hurt at all – I didn't know the needle went in until it came out. It was very interesting. No, it was painless. & # 39;
When asked whether it was a matter of "getting the needle in and out quickly", as with any vaccination, he said: "Exactly, vaccinations are not very common, you have vaccinations."
Mr Kenyon also said he hopes not to get the "bloody bug" now, adding, "I don't plan to have it because I have granddaughters and I intend to live long to enjoy their lives. " Then he showed a card that the hospital had given him with his name and details for a follow-up appointment and said, “It says my name, and that's it. Very not exciting. & # 39;
When the retiree was able to hug his family once he is immune to the virus, he said, “Well, there's no point dying now after I've lived this long, right? I don't intend to do that anyway. & # 39;
Yesterday, the NHS launched its whopping plan to vaccinate the entire population against coronavirus by introducing Britain's new weapon in the war on Covid in 50 hospital locations up to the 80+, hospital and nursing home staff at risk and at risk.
Last night, thousands of elderly British patients urged vaccination skeptics to stand up for the good of the country as health bosses prepared to dispense more than a million doses of the Pfizer vaccine next week.
The national vaccination campaign has been launched in 70 UK hospitals, with most of the doses given to those over 80. Margaret Keenan, a Coventry grandmother, came first, explaining, "If I can have it at 90, so can you."
Lyn Wheeler, 81, who received the Pfizer push before Boris Johnson at Guy in London, urged everyone to do their duty so that normal life can be resumed. "It's all for the UK," she added. “I'll try because I feel like there is no other way. We can no longer sit in our homes. & # 39;
An initial 800,000 doses will be introduced in the coming days, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has promised millions more before Christmas.
In other coronavirus news:
- Vacation abroad was given the green light for next summer by officials;
- Nursing homes should expect vaccination doses by Christmas.
- Mr Hancock appeared to be in good hands on live television as he described his pride in the rollout;
- Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine was found "safe and effective" in a large study in the Lancet.
- However, regulators are faced with the decision of whether to approve the vaccine with a low-dose initial injection.
- U.S. regulators are nearing approving the Pfizer shock for those most at risk.
- Mr Johnson appeared to be sending out a warning about London following a surge in infection rates, sparking fears that it could fall into stage three next week.
- Senior scientific advisor Patrick Vallance warned the public that in a year from now they may still be wearing face masks.
- Schools may be allowed to take a specific day on the last Friday of the semester so that stressed teachers can take an “appropriate break”.
- Another 616 people died from coronavirus, a total of 62,033. Another 12,282 cases were confirmed.
Martin Kenyon spoke today about the breakthrough of the Pfizer / BioNTech push at Guy & # 39; s Hospital in London on V-Day
Mr Kenyon shared his experience with presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on ITV's Good Morning Britain today
Martin Kenyon, 91, pictured during the interview talking to CNN's Cyril Vanier about receiving Pfizer's push at Guy & # 39; s Hospital in Southwark, London
The British retiree went viral for his adorable story, telling him he was late for the 12:30 pm appointment because he "couldn't find a damn place to park anywhere".
The moment Margaret Keenan, 90, became the first patient in the UK to receive the Pfizer / BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine at University Hospital in Coventry at the start of the largest vaccination program in UK history, administered by Nurse May Parsons was administered. & # 39; Bill & # 39; William Shakespeare, 81, also received the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine
At a turning point, an emotional Ms. Keenan is gossiped from the ward after being vaccinated on the eve of her 91st birthday
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks with Lyn Wheeler before receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Guy & # 39; s Hospital in London. Mr Johnson was in the intensive care unit in the same confidence as he had fought Covid earlier this year
An initial 800,000 doses will be introduced in the coming days, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has promised millions more before Christmas. In other developments. Pictured: Mr Hancock got emotional and seemed to wipe tears from his eyes when interviewed on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday
CNN's Oliver Darcy tweeted the footage, writing, "This interview wins the day".
Many social media users commented on Mr. Kenyon's stereotypical Britishness, while others referred to him as a "national treasure". One person wrote: “Martin Kenyon is now a national treasure in Britain. I hope he can make a cameo on The Crown next season! & # 39;
Another tweeted: "I called at half past twelve and said everything I heard about a vaccination."
TV presenter Jeremy Vine added: 'This is Peak British here. Martin Kenyon just got the vaccination – sorry vaccination. Could almost be a Monty Python sketch. Handsome man. & # 39;
A fourth wrote, “What a charming man. At 91 he went to the London hospital, arranged the vaccination, had a "bad lunch", was vaccinated, received a card as evidence and has no intention of dying now. Yes, the interview wins the day. & # 39;
At least 5,000 people were vaccinated – about 100 people in each center – with 800,000 doses of the Pfizer / BioNtech vaccine that were already in the country when UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham predicted we "will all be on summer vacation" in 2021.
The next to get the stab was William Shakespeare, 81, from near Stratford-upon-Avon – the bard's hometown – who looked so laid back that many joked that it made a lot of noise for him, the second person on the world that was vaccinated to be nothing '.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was emotional watching Ms. Keenan get the push after a bleak 2020 and wept over Good Morning Britain as Mr Shakespeare welcomed the "groundbreaking" push that "will change our lives".
Mr Hancock wiped his tears away as he told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, "It has been such a tough year for so many people and William Shakespeare put it simply for everyone so we can get on with our lives."
But in a dire warning to Britain, he added: “There are still a few months to go. I still worry that we won't be able to blow it now. Piers, we still have to get the vaccine out to millions of people. We have to keep sticking to the rules, there is so much work going on – it makes me proud to be British.
Later in the House of Commons, a calm Mr Hancock made a statement to MPs about the rollout of the vaccine and took part in the Shakespearean puns. He stated, "If you stab us, won't we bleed?"
Boris Johnson, who watched people being vaccinated at Guy & # 39; s Hospital yesterday, said, "It's a shot in the arm for the whole nation, but we can't afford to relax now."
At 6:30 am, Ms. Keenan, known to friends and family as "Maggie" and wearing a bright blue "Merry Christmas" T-shirt, smiled under her mask when nurse May Parsons from Coventry & Warwickshire University Hospital injected her life saving medicine.
Ms. Keenan, a former jeweler who only retired four years ago, has a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren.
She said: “I feel so privileged to be the first person to be vaccinated against Covid-19. It's the best early birthday gift I could ever ask for as I look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year, being alone for most of the year.
"I can't thank May and the NHS staff enough for looking after me tremendously, and my advice to anyone who has offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90, you can too to have."
Mr. Kenyon imagined showing a card that the hospital provided with his name and details for a follow-up appointment and said, “It says my name, and that's it. Very not exciting & # 39;
Many social media users commented on Mr. Kenyon's stereotypical Britishness, while others referred to him as a "national treasure" and a "charming man".
Boris Johnson with patient Lyn Wheeler before receiving her vaccine from Guy in south London
Henry Vokes, 98, celebrates after his stitch at Southmead Hospital in Bristol
Belfast: Sister Joanna Sloan (left) is the first person in Northern Ireland to receive the first of two Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 stitches at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast
Cardiff: David Farrell, 51, of Llandow, a nursing home worker, was one of the first people in Wales to receive the vaccine
Southmead Hospital staff will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
The vaccine (illustration) must be stored at minus 70 ° C and can only be transported to a limited extent at elevated temperatures
It came when V-Day heroes last night urged vaccine skeptics to have the Covid rush for the good of the country before more than a million more doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived next week.
Thousands of elderly British patients made history yesterday when they became the first in the world to receive the injection outside of medical trials.
The national vaccination campaign has been launched in 70 UK hospitals, with most of the doses given to those over 80. Margaret Keenan, a Coventry grandmother, came first, explaining, "If I can have it at 90, so can you."
Lyn Wheeler, 81, who received the Pfizer push before Boris Johnson at Guy in London, urged everyone to do their duty so that normal life can be resumed.
"It's all for the UK," she added. “I'll try because I feel like there is no other way. We can no longer sit in our homes. & # 39;
The Prime Minister said, “You saw Lyn take it, you saw people take the vaccine in large numbers. There is nothing to be nervous about. To all who are afraid – don't be like that. & # 39;
Around 5,000 people were vaccinated on the first day, including the elderly, nursing home workers and NHS workers. An initial 800,000 doses will be introduced in the coming days, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has promised millions more before Christmas.
NHS chiefs were told last night that they would receive either 1.2 million or 1.6 million doses of the groundbreaking Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine next week, with the remainder of the first four million arriving the following week.
Stephen Powis, Medical Director of NHS England, wrote in the Times Red Box that general practitioners across the country would band together to help hospitals deliver the sting, followed by larger vaccination centers in key locations.
Hospitals have been told that they are expected to use at least one box of vaccine – 975 doses – in the first week, which suggests a total of nearly 70,000.
Designated general practitioners were asked to operate seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and to invite the patients to appointments by telephone, message and letter.
More inventory is set to arrive next week before being checked and distributed from a secret warehouse to hospitals and surgeries across the UK.
Mr Hancock said he hoped "tens of millions" of vulnerable people were stabbed by Christmas, paving the way for coronavirus restrictions to be relaxed by spring. Professor Stephen Powis, Medical Director of NHS England, was hailed yesterday as a turning point for the pandemic.
"This is the way out, the beginning of the end," he added. “It won't happen tomorrow, it won't happen next week or next month. We still have to distance ourselves socially, we have to follow all these restrictions.
"But by 2021, vaccination programs will mean we can get back to normal."
NHS England executive director Simon Stevens said: "Less than a year after the first case of this new disease was diagnosed, the NHS has now administered the first clinically-approved Covid-19 vaccination – a remarkable achievement."
Sir Simon also thanked all the scientists, health workers, and volunteers who helped make the breakthrough.
U.S. regulators confirmed last night that the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine provides strong protection against Covid-19.
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to give the sting the green light within a few days, paving the way for thousands of Americans to join the UK vaccination effort.
Coronavirus was involved in a quarter of the deaths recorded in the last week of November, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.
The death toll in England and Wales fell for the first time in more than two months when the lockdown ended.
Despite the decline in total deaths, Covid deaths rose and more people died than is typical for the same time of year.
There were 12,456 deaths in the week that ended November 27 – 79 fewer than the previous week.
Sir Simon Stevens, Executive Director of the NHS, watches a nurse give Frank Naderer, 82, the first of two Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 vaccinations at Guy & # 39; s Hospital in London
An employee removes a tray of vials containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the refrigerator as 100 hospitals and NHS locations begin rolling out the vaccine
Michael Tibbs, 99, receives COVID vaccine from Liz Rix, head nurse at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth
A huge team of doctors and nurses is ready to begin vaccinating the Gwent people in South Wales. 300 people receive the vaccine in a sports center in Cwmbran
Covid-19 vaccination card and sticker saying "I had my Covid vaccination" on the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Some are concerned about being asked to keep the card with them at all times
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PFIZER & # 39; S COVID VACCINE
The UK began mass vaccinating the public yesterday with Pfizer / BioNTech's Covid vaccine, bringing the pandemic lockdown rules into sight.
This is where MailOnline answers all questions about the sting, including who gets it first, how much it costs and where people get vaccinated.
What could be the logistical challenges in delivery?
Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the transportation and storage of Pfizer's breakthrough would not be easy, while Chris Hopson, executive director of NHS Providers, said the logistics behind the mass launch were "impressive".
Die Probleme ergeben sich aus der Tatsache, dass der Impfstoff bei -70 ° C langfristig gelagert werden muss.
Um die Dosen auf dieser extrem niedrigen Temperatur zu halten, müssen sie mit Trockeneis verpackt und in eine spezielle Transportbox von der Größe eines Koffers mit 5.000 Dosen gegeben werden.
Diese Behälter können verhindern, dass die Impfstoffe 10 Tage lang verderben, wenn sie ungeöffnet bleiben.
Sobald die Chargen an den Impfzentren ankommen, können sie bis zu fünf Tage in medizinischen Standardkühlschränken zwischen 2 ° C und 8 ° C gelagert werden.
Oder sie können bis zu 30 Tage in ihren Versandkartons aufbewahrt werden, wenn die Behälter mindestens einmal pro Woche mit Trockeneis aufgefüllt werden.
Der walisische Gesundheitsminister Vaughan Gething sagte, die logistischen Probleme bedeuteten "in der Praxis zu diesem Zeitpunkt, dass wir diesen Impfstoff nicht an Pflegeheime liefern können".
Der Knackpunkt für die Abgabe des Stichs an Orte wie Pflegeheime könnte sein, dass BioNTech angibt, dass der Impfstoff während des Transports nur sechs Stunden lang zwischen 2 ° C und 8 ° C aufbewahrt werden kann, ohne dass er abfällt.
Da die Pfizer-Koffer 5.000 Impfstoffdosen enthalten, müssten kleinere Mengen aus den Trockeneiskoffern entfernt werden, um zu Pflegeheimen transportiert zu werden.
Aber sobald sie unterwegs sind, könnten die Dosen nach sechs Stunden absterben. Es ist unklar, warum genau dies der Fall ist.
Wer steht ganz oben auf der Liste, um einen Coronavirus-Impfstoff zu erhalten?
Der Gemeinsame Ausschuss für Impfung und Immunisierung (JCVI) hat Daten darüber untersucht, wer die schlechtesten Ergebnisse des Coronavirus hat und wer das höchste Todesrisiko hat.
Nach den Leitlinien des JCVI sollte die Prioritätsreihenfolge wie folgt sein.
1. Bewohner eines Pflegeheims für ältere Erwachsene und deren Betreuer
2. Alle, die 80 Jahre und älter sind und an vorderster Front im Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen tätig sind
3. Alle, die 75 Jahre und älter sind
4th Alle Personen ab 70 Jahren und klinisch extrem gefährdete Personen, ausgenommen schwangere Frauen und Personen unter 18 Jahren
5. Alle, die 65 Jahre und älter sind
6. Erwachsene im Alter von 18 bis 65 Jahren in einer Risikogruppe wie krankhaft fettleibig
7. Alle ab 60 Jahren
8. Alle ab 55 Jahren
9. Alle ab 50 Jahren
Aufgrund der oben genannten logistischen Probleme können Pflegeheime die Impfstoffe jedoch nicht sofort erhalten, sodass ältere NHS-Patienten, Pflegekräfte und NHS-Mitarbeiter die ersten Dosen erhalten.
Woher bekommen die Leute den Impfstoff und wer wird ihn verabreichen?
Hinter den Kulissen wurde daran gearbeitet, dass die NHS-Mitarbeiter ab Anfang Dezember bereit sind, Impfstoffe an die am stärksten gefährdeten Personen zu liefern.
Die gestrigen Impfungen begannen in 70 NHS-Krankenhäusern und die Operation wird in den kommenden Tagen und Wochen ausgeweitet.
Nachtigallkrankenhäuser und Sportstadien wurden als Standorte für Massenimpfkliniken vorbereitet, während Allgemeinmediziner und Apotheker ebenfalls an der von der Mammutarmee unterstützten Operation zur Abgabe des Stichs beteiligt sein werden.
Die Regierung hat auch neue Vorschriften eingeführt, die es mehr Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen – und Freiwilligen des NHS – ermöglichen, Grippe und potenzielle Covid-19-Impfstoffe zu verabreichen. Sie werden von einem medizinischen Fachpersonal überwacht.
NHS England gab an, dass Hausarztpraxen, die Impfstoffe anbieten, an sieben Tagen in der Woche von 8 bis 20 Uhr in Betrieb sein müssen, einschließlich an Feiertagen, wenn dies erforderlich ist, beispielsweise um die Versorgung mit Impfstoffen zu verbrauchen, ohne diese zu verschwenden.
Ein an alle Praxen gesendeter Brief weist darauf hin, dass einige Mitarbeiter möglicherweise am Weihnachtstag Patienten impfen müssen. Es wird erwartet, dass Impfstellen mindestens 1.000 Stöße pro Woche liefern können. Der Impfvertrag beginnt am kommenden Dienstag und die Allgemeinmediziner erhalten 25,16 GBP für jeweils zwei von ihnen verabreichte Stöße.
Freiwillige ohne medizinische Ausbildung können sich über die GoodSAM-App für Injektionen in Zusammenarbeit mit St. John Ambulance einsetzen. In der Rollenbeschreibung heißt es: „Freiwillige Impfstoffe werden geschult, um einem Patienten eine Impfung zu geben. Sie sind auch bereit zu handeln, wenn ein Patient eine Nebenwirkung hat. & # 39;
Es wird auch versucht, als Freiwillige für die Impfpflege zu fungieren. Sie helfen den Patienten, an den richtigen Ort für ihren Stoß zu gelangen, und stehen zur Verfügung, um Erste Hilfe zu leisten, wenn sich jemand unwohl fühlt.
Freiwillige Patientenvertreter, die dritte Art von Helfern, werden sich "durch ihre Erfahrung auf das Wohl der Patienten konzentrieren".
Wie viele Dosen des Pfizer-Impfstoffs hat Großbritannien gekauft?
Großbritannien hat 40 Millionen Dosen des Pfizer / BioNTech-Impfstoffs erhalten, 10 Millionen sind in Großbritannien bis Ende des Jahres fällig. 800.000 Dosen sind bereits im Land und können verwendet werden.
Patients need two doses, meaning Number 10 has only secured enough doses for around a third of Britain.
However, it is likely other vaccines, including one from Oxford University that the UK has bought 100million doses of, will be approved in the coming weeks and months.
How long does it protect you for?
Regulators yesterday said there was evidence of 'partial immunity' just seven days after the first dose, offering a glimmer of hope that the roll-out beginning next week may have an effect before Christmas.
But they insisted the best immunity comes seven days after the second dose, which is given three weeks after the first.
It remains a mystery as to how long immunity against Covid lasts for, with top scientists warning that people may need to be vaccinated against the disease every winter, like the flu.
What type of vaccine is this?
The jab is known as a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine.
Conventional vaccines are produced using weakened forms of the virus, but mRNAs use only the virus's genetic code.
An mRNA vaccine is injected into the body where it enters cells and tells them to create antigens. These antigens are recognised by the immune system and prepare it to fight coronavirus.
What are the advantages of this type of vaccine?
No actual virus is needed to create an mRNA vaccine. This means the rate at which it can be produced is dramatically accelerated. As a result, mRNA vaccines have been hailed as potentially offering a rapid solution to new outbreaks of infectious diseases.
In theory, they can also be modified reasonably quickly if, for example, a virus develops mutations and begins to change. mRNA vaccines are also cheaper to produce than traditional vaccines, although both will play an important role in tackling Covid-19.
Where is the vaccine made?
Pfizer's jab is being manufactured at the firm's plant in Belgium, as well as separate sites in the US.
BioNTech — the other drug company involved in the vaccine — has two production facilities in Germany that are expected to start churning out doses in the New Year.
Can the vaccine be transported in a fridge?
Yes, although the vaccine should be kept at -70°C to ensure its long-term preservation, it can be transported by car or van if refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C.
According to the latest data from BioNTech, the company that owns the vaccine, it is only safe to use within six hours of being defrosted if transported in a fridge.
Researchers say this would allow administration of the vaccine to high-risk populations who may be unable to visit vaccination centres, such as care home residents. However, it also says that the vaccine remains stable and viable for up to five days if kept in a stationary fridge — like in a GP surgery – at 2-8°C.
The only difference between the two scenarios is that one involves being chilled and transported, while the other is not moved while being cooled.
Why this difference shortens the vaccine's shelf-life is currently unexplained.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, the vaccine's developers hinted the restrictions would be eased as more data was gathered, indicating the limits are currently overly-cautious to ensure the vaccine reaches society's most vulnerable people with no drop-off in its efficacy.
Are they safe?
All vaccines undergo rigorous testing and have oversight from experienced regulators.
Some believe mRNA vaccines are safer for the patient as they do not rely on any element of the virus being injected into the body. mRNA vaccines have been tried and tested in the lab and on animals before moving to human studies.
The human trials of mRNA vaccines – involving tens of thousands of people worldwide – have been going on since early 2020 to show whether they are safe and effective.
Pfizer will continue to collect safety and long-term outcomes data from participants for two years.
Can you get the Covid vaccine privately?
The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family will not be able to jump the queue for a Covid-19 vaccine and even Boris Johnson will have to wait his turn, it was revealed last month.
No one will be given 'special treatment' when the country launches its mass-immunisation drive, according to Government sources.
Even rich companies won't be able to skip the line, despite fears wealthy corporations would snap up vaccines directly to get their staff back to work and make up for the money haemorrhaged during lockdown.
Could employers force staff to get a vaccine?
It is 'highly unlikely' private employers could force staff to get a Covid jab when one finally becomes available, according to lawyers.
Although most of Britain will need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity and stop the disease spreading, a jab can't be given without people's consent.
Lawyers at the global firm Morgan Lewis said it was not likely that firms in the UK could start enforcing vaccination.
They said: 'A vaccine could only be lawfully administered provided that the individual consented to such treatment. It is highly doubtful an employee could be described as consenting to treatment under any degree of compulsion by their employer.'
Will I get a vaccine passport if I get the jab?
Immunity passports have been touted as the key for getting swathes of society back to normal life, and allowing millions to evade restrictions. This is because they would indicate someone is protected against the virus, and is able to fight it off without getting severely ill or dying.
Bars, cinemas and football stadiums could turn away Britons who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus, the UK's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested.
But ministers have since denied Britons will need 'immunity certificates' to go to the pub. Michael Gove was asked yesterday during a round of interviews whether people could need to prove they had been given coronavirus vaccines to enter bars and restaurants. He replied flatly: 'No.'
Pressed on whether they could be required at theatres or sports centres, he said: 'No I don't think so, no.'
Mr Hancock said that a vaccine passport 'isn't part of our plan'. He told Sky News: 'While we know that this vaccine protects you from getting ill with Covid – we don't yet know how much it stops you transmitting Covid until we roll it out broadly.'
Don't vaccines take a long time to produce?
In the past it has taken years, sometimes decades, to produce a vaccine.
Traditionally, vaccine development includes various processes, including design and development stages followed by clinical trials – which in themselves need approval before they even begin.
But in the trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, things look slightly different. A process which usually takes years has been condensed to months.
While the early design and development stages look similar, the clinical trial phases overlap, instead of taking place sequentially.
And pharmaceutical firms have begun manufacturing before final approval has been granted – taking on the risk that they may be forced to scrap their work.
The new way of working means that regulators around the world can start to look at scientific data earlier than they traditionally would do.
Aren't there other vaccines?
Yes, recent data from the Oxford/AstraZeneca, and Moderna vaccine trials suggests their candidates also have high efficacy.
Oxford data indicates the vaccine has 62 per cent efficacy when one full dose is given followed by another full dose.
But when people were given a half dose followed by a full dose at least a month later, its efficacy rose to 90 per cent, according to data. But the breakthrough results from trials of Oxford University's vaccine were based on 'shaky science', experts have warned.
The combined analysis from both dosing regimes resulted in an average efficacy of 70.4 per cent.
Final results from the trials of Moderna's vaccine suggest it has 94.1 per cent efficacy, and 100 per cent efficacy against severe Covid-19.
Nobody who was vaccinated with the vaccine known as mRNA-1273 developed severe coronavirus.
A graph showing vaccine orders made by the EU, US, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia
Which jab is best?
The early contenders all have high efficacy rates, but researchers say it is difficult to make direct comparisons because it is not yet known exactly what everyone is measuring in the trials.
Analysis shows the Pfizer vaccine can prevent 95 per cent of people from getting Covid-19, including 94 per cent in older age groups.
A technician inspects vials of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine candidate BNT162b2 at a Pfizer manufacturing site in manufacturing site in St. Louis, Missouri
The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns were raised. Approval means the UK can begin rolling out the vaccine to those most in need, including frontline NHS workers.
How many doses of other jabs has the UK secured?
The UK has secured access to 100million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine, which is almost enough for most of the population.
It also belatedly struck a deals for seven million doses of the jab on offer from Moderna in the US.
The deals for 357million doses of seven different vaccines cover four different classes: adenoviral vaccines, mRNA vaccines, inactivated whole virus vaccines and protein adjuvant vaccines.
How much does Pfizer's vaccine cost?
Pfizer/BioNTech is making its vaccine available not-for-profit.
According to reports, the Moderna vaccine could cost about 38 dollars (£28) per dose and the Pfizer candidate could cost around 20 dollars (£15).
Researchers suggest the Oxford vaccine could be relatively cheap to produce, with some reports indicating it could be about £3 per dose.
AstraZeneca said it will not sell it for a profit, so it can be available to all countries.
However, the details of the deals made by the UK Government have not been made public.
What is the usual process for developing a vaccine?
Traditionally vaccine development takes several years and includes various processes, including design and development stages followed by clinical trials – which in themselves need approval before they even begin.
The trials take place in three sequential stages – also known as phases. The research will show whether a vaccine generates antibodies but also protects people from disease. They will also identify any safety issues.
Once the trials are complete, the information gathered by researchers is sent to regulators for review. This is thoroughly analysed by clinicians and scientists before being approved for widespread use. Then, after approval from regulators, people can start to receive the vaccine.
Is this different because of the pandemic?
The process looks slightly different in the trials for a Covid vaccine.
While the early design and development stages look similar, the clinical trial phases have overlapped – instead of taking place sequentially.
But won't that mean that safety is compromised?
Even though some phases of the clinical trial process have run in parallel rather than one after another, the safety checks have still been the same as they would for any new medicine.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has adopted the phrase 'safety is our watchword'.
Regulators have said they will 'rigorously assess' the data and evidence submitted on the vaccine's safety, quality and effectiveness.
And, in most clinical trials, any safety issues are usually identified in the first two to three months – a period which has already lapsed for most vaccine front-runners.
How are regulators acting so quickly?
Regulators have been carrying out 'rolling reviews', which means that instead of going through reams of information at the conclusion of the trials, they have been given access to the data as the scientists work.
A rolling review of the vaccine data started several months ago.
This means regulators can start to look at scientific data earlier than they traditionally would do, which in turn means the approval process can be sped up. Regulators sometimes have thousands of pages of information to go over with a fine-tooth comb – which understandably takes time.
Once all the data available on the vaccine is submitted, MHRA experts will carefully and scientifically review the safety, quality and effectiveness data – how it protects people from Covid-19 and the level of protection it provides.
After this has been done, advice is sought from the Government's independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).
What does 'approved for use' mean?
For a medicine to be used in the UK it has to be granted a licence. This means that it has been through all the rigorous safety and efficacy checks and regulators are confident in the findings of the clinical trials.
By reviewing the data as they become available, the MHRA can reach its opinion sooner on whether or not the medicine or vaccine should be licensed without compromising the thoroughness of their review.
So what data would the regulator have looked at?
The information provided to the MHRA will have included what the vaccine contains, how it works in the body, how well it works and its side-effects, and who it is meant to be used for.
This data must include the results of all animal studies and clinical trials in humans, manufacturing and quality controls, consistency in batch production, and testing of the final product specification.
The factories where the vaccines are made are also inspected before a licence can be granted to make sure that the product supplied will be of the same consistent high standard.
Husband and wife Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci are behind the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine that could change the world
Regulators look at stacks of data before approving any vaccines (stock)
What is the difference between the MHRA and the CHM?
The MHRA is the British regulator of medicines and medical devices, ensuring their safety, quality and effectiveness.
The CHM advises ministers on medicinal products. It is made up of an independent group of advisers responsible for advising on the need for, and content of, risk management plans for new medicines.
It also advises officials on the impact of new safety issues on the balance of risks and benefits of licensed medicines.
The CHM also offer advice on 'applications for both national and European marketing authorisations'.
Haven't pharmaceutical companies already started making vaccines?
Yes. Usually large-scale production and distribution begins only after regulatory approval. But in the case of Covid-19 vaccines, pharmaceutical firms have begun manufacturing before final approval had been granted – taking on the risk that they may be forced to scrap their work.
'If I can do it, so can you': Stirring message from 'Super Gran' aged 90 who's first to receive vaccine
By Andy Dolan and Claire Duffin for the Daily Mail
The grandmother aged 90 who became the first person to receive the covid vaccine jumped at the chance, her grandson said yesterday.
Conor Maton said despite being just 4ft 10in, Margaret Keenan was a 'larger than life' character who wanted to do what she could to help get the country back on track.
And after she had the jab, Mrs Keenan declared: 'If I can have it at 90 then you can have it too.'
Grandmother Margaret Keenan, aged 90, who became the first person to receive the covid vaccine jumped at the chance, her grandson said yesterday
Forsooth! William Shakespeare is second in the queue
William Shakespeare became the second person to receive the covid vaccine yesterday.
The 81-year-old former Rolls-Royce worker from Coventry – believed to be a descendant of the Bard – said he was pleased to be given the 'groundbreaking' jab.
He was filmed receiving it at University Hospital in Coventry yesterday morning – prompting a deluge on social media of Shakespeare puns.
William Shakespeare, 81, from Coventry, became the second person to receive the covid vaccine yesterday
His niece Emily Shakespeare said her 'lovely uncle' was a 'worthy recipient' of the vaccine.
She said the family were '86 per cent sure' he was a descendant of England's greatest playwright, who was born in nearby Stratford-upon-Avon.
Mr Shakespeare had been admitted to the hospital's frailty ward after falling ill at home.
The father of two and grandfather praised his 'wonderful' wife Joy, who he hoped to be reunited with soon.
He appeared relaxed as he received the vaccine in front of the media. Asked if it hurt he replied simply: 'No.'
He added: 'It's groundbreaking I think. It could make the difference to our lives from now on couldn't it? I'm not nervous at all.
'A bit apprehensive about what the side-effects could be but there is a small chance of that so I am just pleased there is an advancement for the future of everyone else.'
Asked if he knew when his wife might be receiving the vaccine, he said: 'No news on that, hopefully soon.
'My wife is absolutely wonderful – she's so caring, she's so generous. She is the best partner I could ever have.'
Mr Maton, 29, said Strictly Come Dancing fan Mrs Keenan was much younger than her years and was working in a jewellers until six years ago before falling ill – not with Covid – and being admitted to hospital a few days ago.
After recovering well, Mrs Keenan, who is due to celebrate her 91st birthday next week, received the vaccine from nurse May Parsons at University Hospital in Coventry at 6.31am yesterday.
Mail volunteer's shot in the arm
A pensioner who answered the Daily Mail's call for volunteers as part of our Hospital Helpforce campaign received the vaccine at the same hospital.
Doreen McKeown, 81, from Hutton in Lancashire, signed up to help at the Royal Preston Hospital, last year and has worked at the hospital trust's endoscopy unit.
The former civil servant and police civilian worker was in line at 7.20am yeterday and said: 'It was marvellous and a momentous occasion.
Doreen McKeown, 81, received the vaccine at the Royal Preston Hospital
'Everything went according to plan so far as I can tell.
'It is a miracle that things have happened really quickly. We never thought it would happen until next year.'
Known to family and friends as Maggie, Mrs Keenan said: 'I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19.
'It's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the new year after being on my own for most of the year.'
She added: 'I can't thank May and the NHS staff enough, and my advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it.'
Mrs Keenan had been isolating since March. Mr Maton said having the jab means she can now celebrate her birthday with those in her bubble and see her family at Christmas.
Mr Maton, who lives around the corner from his grandmother in Coventry, said: 'We're really proud of her.
The fact that she's 90 years old – 91 next week – will hopefully give other people confidence to have the jab.
'It sums her up because she's a wonderful woman. She's always been Super Gran to us.'
Her proud son Philip Keenan, an electronics expert at Cambridge University, described her as a 'little person with a heart of gold'.
Mr Keenan, 61, said: 'She is determined to live beyond 100 and has done everything possible to protect herself.
'She's a very sociable person and it has been hard for her to lose that contact with people during the pandemic.
She has bubbled with my sister and her family in Coventry, but otherwise mum has not left her house since March, up until her admission to hospital.'
Mrs Keenan, who was widowed in 2007, will receive a booster jab in 21 days' time to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus.
NHS nurse Mrs Parsons said it was a 'huge honour' to be the first person in the country to deliver a Covid-19 jab to a patient.
'The last few months have been tough for all of us working in the NHS, but now it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel,' she added.
Ex-doctor's praise for NHS heroes
An 87-year-old grandfather had the jab and said it was his duty to 'do whatever I can to help'.
Dr Hari Shukla, a former GP and race relations campaigner, heaped praise on the NHS as he and his wife Ranjan, 84, were given the jab at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
The couple, who have four children and nine grandchildren, thanked those who have worked on the vaccine.
Dr Shukla said: 'I don't take this for granted because hundreds of people have worked for this vaccine day and night to make sure we got the vaccines in good time, so the lives of people can be saved.'
Dr Hari Shukla, a former GP and race relations campaigner, heaped praise on the NHS as he and his wife Ranjan, 84, were given the jab
The FIRST to roll up their sleeves on V-Day: From 99-year-old WWII hero to nurse, 28, whose wedding was postponed by the pandemic… the brave Britons who beat the rest of the world to getting Pfizer Covid jab
A Second World War submarine lieutenant, a young Northern Irish nurse whose wedding was cancelled due to Covid-19 and a Welsh care home worker with diabetes were among the first people to get vaccinated in Britain.
Shortly after Margaret Keenan, 90, became the first person in the world to get the approved Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, Royal Navy veteran Michael Tibbs, 99, from Portsmouth, became the oldest.
In Northern Ireland nurse Joanna Sloan, 28, who helps run Belfast's vaccination clinic, became the first person in the country to get the jab.
While in Wales care home worker Craig Atkins, 48, from Ebbw Vale, became the first person to get the jab at the nation's Cwmbran mass vaccination centre.
In Scotland, Clinical Lead of Outpatient Theatres, Andrew Mencnarowski, was first in line at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital.
Michael Tibbs, 99, being administered the COVID vaccine by Liz Rix, Chief Nurse.Michael Tibbs is the first person in the South West to receive the Covid-19 vaccination at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth
Sister Joanna Sloan is congratulated by her colleague Conor McDowell, as she becomes the first person in Northern Ireland to receive the first jab
Margaret Keenan, 90, returns to her ward after becoming the first person in the world to get the approved jab in Coventry
The Royal Navy hero who fought on D-Day and was the oldest person to get a jab on V-Day
A Royal Navy veteran who was on the front line in WWII has joined the 'V-Day' battle against Covid-19 by becoming one of the first people in the world to receive the vaccine against the virus.
Royal Navy veteran Michael Tibbs, 99 smiled and joked with nurses as he walked into the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth as the NHS mass vaccination programme across 70 hospitals in Britain swung into action.
Dressed in a tweed suit and cardigan, he made his way into the hospital's vaccination centre using a walking frame and accompanied by his son Philip, a retired GP.
Mr Tibbs, believed to be the oldest person vaccinated today, said: 'I didn't know what to expect but it's absolutely wonderful and feel really fortunate to have the vaccination.
'During lockdown I have been confined to the garden, however when things get back to normal, I'm really looking forward to seeing my grandchildren and great grandchildren. The vaccine will make a difference to everybody and we are so fortunate to have the NHS.'
Michael Tibbs, 99, rolling up his sleeve in preparation in receiving the COVID vaccine
Mr Tibbs pictured with his wife Anne, who died last year
A little bemused by the media attention, Mr Tibbs blinked in the flashlights, but smiled when he saw a nurse, and shook her hand as he entered the building.
Mr Tibbs, the son of a Royal Navy chaplain, served aboard submarine HMS Tantalus in the Far East, and recalled surfacing in Port Said, Egypt when news came to the crew that the Germans had surrendered on VE Day, but 'V-Day' as today was dubbed, was also a proud a moment for the veteran.
The vessel completed the longest patrol of any British submarine in WW2 of 55 days' duration.
Mr Tibbs was among the first of millions of Britons who will receive the Pfizer vaccine as Britain was the first country in the world to give approval for the drug's use.
After the war, Mr Tibbs went to Oxford then joined the Sudan Political Service which administered the Sudan as a joint protectorate with Egypt.
Michael Tibbs, 99, and his son Philip enjoyed a nice cup of tea together afterwards
At independence in 1954 he was a district commissioner. He gave a Sudanese TV crew a 4 hour interview to mark the 65th anniversary of independence. He is one of only two members of the service still alive.
In 1955, they returned to England, settling in Lynchmere, West Sussex. He worked for the AA for 10 years and was secretary of the Royal College of Physicians until he retired in 1986.
Since retirement he was Chairman of the Lynchmere Parish Council and continued to produce and direct the local pantomime
His wife Anne died last year after 67 years of marriage. He still lives in Lynchmere with his younger son Christopher and daughter in law (Sylvia).
During COVID he has found his confinement at home frustrating particularly as he would have liked to see more of his two great-grandchildren and spend time with his large circle of friends. Most frustratingly there is no pantomime this year, only the second time since 1947 that the village has not put on this traditional Christmas event.
Mr Tibbs told a Royal British Legion podcast about some of his remarkable wartime memories for the VE Day commemorations.
'On our way home we learned in Port Said, there was a buzz going on about peace in Europe. 'So sure enough, we discovered that was the day after we left there.'
'On the way home, he and the crew held a service on board HMS Tantalus.
'We dived to 60 feet, quite alone, and had our service down there. The captain made a little speech, and had our service.
'He said that we were very grateful to be going home. And that our families would be very grateful that they were no longer threatened by these V1 and V2 bombs, and that we would remember our friends out in the Far East, still fighting.
'By the time VJ Day came along. I was actually 1st Lieutenant of a small submarine up in the western isles of Scotland.'
Frontline Belfast nurse whose wedding was cancelled because of Covid
Sister Sloan gives a thumbs up after becoming the first person in Northern Ireland to get the jab
Joanna Sloan, 28, is sister in charge of the team of vaccinators for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland's largest.
She received the jab at the Royal Victoria Hospital in West Belfast shortly after 8am on Tuesday morning, and said it felt like she had cleared the final hurdle.
The nurse, from Dundrum in Co Down, said: 'I feel privileged and honoured and a little bit emotional that we have got here – very, very grateful.'
She felt 'apprehensive and nervous' beforehand.
As the vaccine was administered, she said she was thinking: 'At last – we are here.'
Ms Sloan added: 'Through everything that healthcare workers (went through), either in hospital or (the) community – people themselves losing family members, us losing colleagues – it felt like it was a huge moment and that this was and could possibly be the final hurdle in the fight against Covid.'
She is a former emergency department nurse and has been in her job for six years.
The nurse is engaged, but her wedding was postponed due to the pandemic.
Ms Sloan has a daughter aged five.
Afterwards, she said of the jab: 'It did not feel any different than any other immunisation that I have had, I did not feel any pain.'
She said it had been stressful and hard work preparing for the moment.
'We worked tirelessly to make sure that people are safe.'
Northern Ireland's chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, said it was a remarkable day.
'We can begin to look to the future with a degree of optimism, with this vaccine and other vaccines and more effective treatments,' he said.
'Hopefully in the future Covid-19 will become a more manageable disease and we will begin the pathway to a more normal life.'
Dr McBride added that he did not think this day would come so soon, 10 months after Covid-19 was discovered, as opposed to the more normal 10 years taken to develop vaccines.
He recalled the sacrifices and harm caused by the virus as well as the number of lives lost, and warned there will be more challenging months ahead.
Wales' first was a care home caretaker with diabetes
This is the moment a scared and shaking Craig Atkins, 48, from Ebbw Vale, was vaccinated
Craig Atkins, 48, from Ebbw Vale, was the first Welshman to get the jab today, describing it as 'scary'.
The care home worker described getting the vaccine as a 'leap into the unknown'.
Mr Atkins, a care home maintenance worker, was vaccinated at the Cwmbran mass vaccination centre at around 8am.
Wales has the highest average Covid-19 infection rate in the UK, and recorded 2,000 cases yesterday for the first time.
He told the BBC that he was shaking as he waited for the jab.
He said: 'It was scary' – but admitting he smiled with relief when it was done. Mr Atkins is a diabetic and gets the flu jab each year.
He added: 'I was the first to have this here today and it's a bit of a leap into the unknown'.
Scottish NHS boss was all smiles as he beat countrymen to first jab
A smiling Andrew Mencnarowski, a clinical lead for Outpatient Theatres at NHS Lothian, received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab this morning at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh
An NHS boss has become the first person in Scotland to receive the new Covid-19 jab – as the 'milestone' vaccine begins its rollout in the UK.
Andrew Mencnarowski, a clinical lead for Outpatient Theatres at NHS Lothian, received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab this morning at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
The hospital is one of 23 sites around Scotland which will carry out vaccinations against Covid-19 for priority groups.
Nicola Steedman, Scotland's deputy chief medical officer, was at the Western General to see the first vaccines being administered.
She said: 'I felt genuinely privileged to see this long hoped for and clinically crucial vaccination programme begin at NHS Lothian's Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and I would like to sincerely thank all those involved in the vast amount of work which has allowed us to reach this absolute milestone in our Covid-19 response.
'The arrival of these first Covid-19 vaccines is a huge turning point for us all and will protect those most at risk from the serious effects of the virus, but we can't relax yet.
'Even after the first people are vaccinated it will be important for now that everyone continues to follow the Scottish Government's guidance for their area and, above all, to follow FACTS.
'These will continue to be the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others from the virus, as we continue to roll out the vaccination to all of those who need it.'
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