New Moderna vaccines expected to arrive in UK next month

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden expressed confidence that the first Moderna jabs are still on course to arrive in April, in what would be a relief for the overall vaccine rollout programme, which has faced questions over AstraZeneca supplies in recent weeks.

But he was doubtful over the resumption of non-essential international travel and acknowledged all legal restrictions may not end in June as was hoped, after a Government adviser raised concerns about the full relaxation timetable.

Ministers have insisted they will meet the target of giving a jab to all adults by July, but supplies have been affected by issues in India and a row with the European Union over exports has raised concerns.

Mr Dowden insisted that the vaccination programme remains "on course", telling The Andrew Marr Show: "We expect that in April Moderna will come."

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