Approval of third vaccine welcomed by Health Minister

THE Health Minister has welcomed some good news amid the grim reality of this weeks’ Covid-19 figures.

A third vaccine will be available here after being approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

The Moderna jab will be used as part of the country’s fight against the deadly disease by the spring

Mr Swann said: “This week has seen the grave pressures of Covid come to bear on our health service, so news of the approval of a third vaccine is very welcome.

“We still have a long journey ahead but the approval of another vaccine should serve as encouragement for everyone and help us get through the next number of weeks of lockdown.

“Allocations for Northern Ireland will be part of the overall UK stock and we look forward to its arrival in the coming months.

“As with all other Covid-19 vaccines, prioritisation will be guided by the JCVI so those most at risk from this disease can receive protection first.”

Approval for the Moderna vaccine follows a thorough and rigorous assessment by the MHRA to ensure the it meets the required standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

Mr Swann added: “There is no doubt that our vaccination programme is key to transforming life as we currently know it.

“The scale of vaccinating a substantial proportion of the population means it will be many, many months before we can see any sense of normality return.

“Please continue to access the health service if you have an acute health problem or a worsen of an underlying health condition.”

LIFESAVER Moderna vaccine was approved