Responding to the announcement that the coronavirus vaccine by Oxford University and AstraZeneca has been approved for use in Britain by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"The approval of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is incredibly important and a welcome boost to those working so hard in such tough conditions on the NHS frontline.

"This vaccine offers further hope in controlling the spread of the virus.

"But while the second vaccine is another step towards beating it, the pandemic is far from over, and in the coming weeks and months the NHS is likely to experience the most challenging conditions in its 72 year history.

"To keep NHS staff, patients and vulnerable members of our community safe and save lives, it is vital that everyone continues to follow the rules, particularly as New Year's Eve approaches.

"This new variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible, which means even more vigilance is needed."