QA& What this all means for you

How do I know which hub to go to? You will be contacted to book an appointment either by letter or phone. The first 130,000 letters began arriving at the weekend. Over-80s who live 30 to 45 minutes’ drive from a site will be first.

How will they operate?

The centres are expected to be run by a combination of NHS staff and volunteers. They will be Covid-secure environments. The venues are all spacious so social distancing should not be a problem. You will be asked to arrive on time, not early, and to leave straight after your jab.

Should I wait for my GP surgery instead?

Ideally, you should take the first vaccine offered. But if you are shielding or can’t travel up to 10 miles away, you can wait until you’re offered one by your GP.

If I’m 80 and my wife is 70, what should I do?

Take the jab when you’re offered it. Your wife will have to wait her turn. Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the whole population will be offered an inoculation by autumn. Over-70s, elderly care home residents, frontline NHS and care staff and “shielders” will be first, between now and February 15.

When will I get the vaccine?

Over-50s and those with serious underlying health conditions will start getting their first doses between mid-February and spring. The vaccine isn’t recommended for most children or pregnant women.

What if I’m healthy and under 50?

Healthy under-50s will be in the second wave of the jab, probably not before Easter. There is pressure to prioritise frontline workers such as teachers and the armed forces.

Do I still need to lock down after I have the vaccine?

Yes. While the vaccine stops you getting sick, scientists don’t know yet whether it stops you passing it on.