This morning the biggest vaccine programme in NHS history began, with the most vulnerable first in the queue for the new Pfizer/BioNTech jab.
The vaccines are being administered from about 70 hospital hubs across the UK to over-80s and to some health and care staff.
A 90-year-old woman has become the first person to be given a Covid vaccine. Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, was given the injection at 06:31 GMT - the first of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that will be given in the coming weeks.
On receiving the vaccine, Mrs Keenan said -
"It's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the new year after being on my own for most of the year."
People will be contacted according to priority when it is time for their jab. However the rollout will take time reflecting manufacturing and supply of the vaccine over the next few months so it is important to be patient. While there is light at the end of the tunnel it’s crucial that everyone keeps following the rules to keep the virus under control.
In Wales, care home worker Craig Atkins was the first to receive the vaccine. The 48-year-old said he was shaking but now feels that he can smile. In Northern Ireland, nurse Joanna Sloan was the first to get the jab. Ms Sloan, who will head up the vaccine roll-out in Belfast, said she felt 'privileged' to get the vaccine so early.
Consultant anaesthetist Dr Katie Stewart was among the first people on Scotland to get the jab, saying there was something to celebrate after "a very long hard year" looking after Covid patients and staying apart to protect each other.
The UK is the first country in the world to start using the Pfizer vaccine after regulators approved its use last week.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast there was a "long march ahead of us but this marks the way out".
On a visit to London's Guy's Hospital, Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to 81-year-old Lyn Wheeler, who was the first to receive the vaccine there.
"It is really very moving to hear her say she is doing it for Britain, which is exactly right - she is protecting herself but also helping to protect the entire country," Mr Johnson said
