Update on new coronavirus vaccination centres in Sunderland after Oxford jab is approved

A new vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca has become the second coronavirus jab to be approved for use in the UK, paving the way for a mass rollout next week.

The vaccine has now been approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Government has ordered 100 million doses - enough to vaccinate 50 million people.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the approval is “fantastic news” and confirmed the rollout will begin on January 4.

The news came on the day the Government announced the North East would move to tier 4 of the national restrictions.

A Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group spokesperson, said: “The vaccination programme is already well underway in Sunderland, with vaccination sites having been established in the last fortnight and a further two sites due to open in the coming weeks.

“The approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination is an important step in the battle against Covid-19 and we will be working closely with our colleagues at NHS England to ensure that it reaches the residents of Sunderland as soon as possible.

“We understand that there is a great deal of interest in both vaccines, but would ask that people do not contact their GP practice.

"Priority groups for the vaccines have been identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and those eligible will be contacted by their local NHS to in the coming weeks.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.