Guernsey's health officials have approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

It'll be given to over 18s, following the UK's advice of prioritising those groups most at risk - if the Medicines Committee approves.

Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, says the approval is 'excellent news for our community':

"The protection afforded by a vaccine gives us real hope that we can see the end of the pandemic.

"We have already delivered the first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (the first vaccine to be approved) to some members of our community and we look forward to expanding this programme with the availability of a second vaccine.

"The AstraZeneca vaccine does not require storage at ultra-low temperatures making transport of the vaccine to Alderney and Sark possible."

Dr Nicola Brink receiving her COVID-19 vaccine

Health & Social Care President, Deputy Al Brouard, had welcomed the news:

"I am very pleased that HSC will be in a position to consider the recommendations of the Medicines Committee regarding the designation of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the Bailiwick. As with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, we must consult with the Policy & Resources Committee as well as Sark and Alderney.

"Whilst the announcement of a second vaccine is welcome news, we must not be complacent.

"Please remember that the vaccination is NOT compulsory. It is entirely voluntary and, if you are offered the vaccine, you must make a decision on whether to have it. Whilst information on vaccines is available on the Coronavirus website, you may also wish to speak to a health professional before you make a final decision.

"Please make sure, if you are looking for information on the internet, that you are using reputable sources of information. Again, a link to an independent source of information about vaccines is on the States website."

Civil Contingencies Authority Chairman, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, says they're waiting to hear when the vaccine will be available here:

"Following this welcome news this morning, I would like to thank the Minister of State for Health for recently confirming that the Bailiwick will receive its pro-rata allocation of any vaccines available through the NHS supply chain.

"We await confirmation of when we will receive our allocation of this new vaccine and will provide further information as soon as we receive it."