A first batch of almost 25,000 does of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine has arrived in Northern Ireland. Vaccinations will begin early next week.
The development was confirmed in a statement from Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann. "We have been anticipating this news for many months and it is hugely welcome to receive this first batch of the vaccine today," he said. "I have been clear that we still have a long journey ahead of us but we can be optimistic." The minister confirmed that vaccinators who will administer the vaccine will receive the first doses early next week, "followed swiftly by priority groups".