The South Belfast MLA said: “Around half the population will be due a booster jab this autumn, and I would encourage take-up of whatever vaccine is offered. However, it is extremely welcome news that this new ‘dual-strain’ vaccine will be available in many instances.

“This vaccine demonstrates that vaccines can be developed quickly even against variants of the Coronavirus, and it will add further to the sense of security that people can go out and get on with their lives.

“Most of us are now enjoying a return to relatively normality, but we must remember that vaccines are what enabled that return. It is essential, as with other viruses, that we protect ourselves as much as possible to enable us and others to get on with our lives safely.”