‘32 million to have dose by late March’

MASS IMMUNISATION Lichfield Cathedral operating as vaccination centre

OFFICIALS are increasingly confident the UK can offer the first coronavirus vaccine to all 32 million most in need by mid to late March. This is on top of the Government’s pledge to vaccinate the 13 million people in the four most vulnerable groups by mid-February.

Some

3,234,946 have had their first dose and

443,234 have had a second.

The NHS is aiming to inoculate over-50s, shielders and NHS and care home staff by late April. But Government sources believe they can hit the target earlier, potentially reaching 500,000 doses per week. A Whitehall insider said of supply and manufacturing, “we would be confident”.

Last night Boris Johnson said 45% of over-80s and almost 40% of care home residents in England have had at least one dose.

England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was “very likely” the crisis would ease by spring, but cautioned against “a hard stop” on curbs.

Retired district nurse Sheila Butler, 90 – who lives with vascular dementia – held her comfort doll as jabs took place at Bowfell House care home in Urmston, Greater Manchester.

Granddaughter Roxanne Wormald, 37, from Flixton, said: “She finds the doll comforting. My nan was bathing old ladies in her job well into her 70s.

“For her to have the vaccine is amazing, it’s such a relief.”

Meanwhile Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire held a different kind of service yesterday as locals queued to get vaccinated.

RELIEF Sheila Butler