The UK is "confident" it can offer the first dose of the Covid vaccine to all 32million vulnerable people by mid to late March, government sources say.
Officially the NHS is aiming to inoculate over-50s, shielders and NHS and care home staff by the end of April. But government sources now claim they may hit the target earlier, with the supply ramping up as high as 500,000 doses per week.
A Whitehall source told the Mirror that in terms of supply and manufacturing, "we would be confident in reaching that target".
Ministers have claimed the NHS is prepared to deliver the vaccine at whatever speed it is supplied. None of the new figures or dates are official targets and Boris Johnson would have little accountability if they are not met.