West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that a further vaccine has been approved for use offering a much brighter future for 2021.

The Astra Zeneca vaccine was today cleared by regulators and jabs will start to be given on Monday (January 4). Local people are already receiving the Pfizer/BionTech vaccinations at centres across the county and the latest news will mean everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be offered protection in the next few months, with the oldest and most vulnerable first in line.

But the Government has moved Worcestershire into tier three ‘very high alert’ as cases continue to rise across the country.

Harriett said: “It is really disappointing that we have been moved up a tier and having had detailed conversations with the local public health team I understand that this has been a challenging decision to reach.

“Many more businesses will now need to close their doors temporarily, while qualifying for financial support in various ways.

“However, one vaccine is already being given to local people and the approval of the Oxford vaccine means that everyone else will be able to get protected in the coming weeks. The decision by the Vaccine Committee to maximise the numbers of the first doses means that we can vaccinate everyone.

“I urge people to follow the new rules to help to keep this virus under control as much as possible in our area. I remain happy to help local businesses access any additional help to which they will now be entitled.”