February 2, 2021: The UK has ordered 40 million extra doses of a coronavirus vaccine from the French pharmaceutical company Valneva, whose jabs are still being tested in the trials. These vaccines will be available this year later or by 2022.

The government says it will give flexibility should people need revaccinating next winter or beyond.

The UK has secured 407 million doses of different coronavirus vaccines, which can be assumed as more than enough for its population.

Although those will take time to satisfy regulators before it can be rolled out, manufacturing at a West Lothian site, Scotland.

The site is supporting 100 new highly-skilled scientists and technicians in local jobs already.

The jab is expected to be given in two doses and contains a dead version of coronavirus that can prevent diseases from causing but makes the body’s immune system strong enough to fight it.

The government said it signed a deal to double its initial order for 60 million doses.

“This latest deal is yet another weapon in our national arsenal against this terrible disease and will ensure we have sufficient supplies to protect the British public in 2021 and beyond”, said Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.

Scotland to be a vaccine production powerhouse, working to ensure we can quickly deploy jabs across the UK if their candidate is approved while supporting top quality, local jobs.

“Valneva’s vaccine will not only help tackle Covid-19 here in the UK but aid our mission to ensure there is an adequate supply of vaccines across the globe if approved.