Jason Leitch said further research was required on the latest mutation of the virus but added experts were so far confident it would not be able to resist the jabs currently being rolled out to health workers and care home residents.
It comes as UK health secretary Matt Hancock warned today the country faced an “enormous challenge” controlling the new strain after scientists found it was able to spread more rapidly.
The Tory minister suggested additional restrictions for England announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday may have to remain for “the next couple of months” while a vaccine is rolled out.