A DENBIGH councillor has hailed the approval of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as 'a game changer' in the fight against Covid-19.

Recently, councillor Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council's cabinet lead member for planning, public protection and safer communities, has been urging residents to follow to ‘take advantage’ of free flu jabs.

He had his done recently and has also been advocating pop-up test centres in Denbighshire, such as the one in Ruthin which was available for a period of three weeks.

Now, he's pleased with the news that the latest vaccine to help tackle Covid-19 has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Cllr Young said: "This Cheap & easy to store vaccine will make the 1 million vaccinations a week ambition achievable.

"This is amazing new year news that the UK has ordered 100 million doses. Because Unlike Pfizer’s jab - which has to be kept at an extremely cold temperature (-70C) - the Oxford vaccine can be stored in a normal fridge.

"This makes it much easier to distribute to our communities and the cost of production being cheaper is also a added bonus. It’s really important to note that no-one who got this vaccine was hospitalised or got seriously ill due to Covid.

"So because of all the above I believe this is a game changer in the fight against Covid and the quicker we get the majority vaccinated the the safer we’ll all be and back to some normality in our lives!

"Please don’t fall for fake news, this vaccine and others have been fully tested to show it works and I’d urge people to get the vaccinated when offered one and I will happily have mine when my times comes. Here’s to a healthier and happier New Year."

The UK Government invested over £88m into the development of the vaccine and is making sure it is made available for free.