A THIRD vaccine against coronavirus has been approved by the UK regulator.

The Moderna vaccine was approved yesterday by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

The Moderna vaccine is the third jab authorised for use in the UK, joining vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

The Government has ordered 17 million doses of the Moderna jab, but supplies will not delivered until the spring.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This is further great news and another weapon in our arsenal to tame this awful disease.

“We have already vaccinated nearly 1.5 million people across the UK and Moderna’s vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring.

“While we immunise those most at risk from Covid, I urge everyone to continue following the rules to keep cases low to protect our loved ones.”

An estimated one in 50 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between December 27 and January 2, the ONS said.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said he was “delighted” that 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine had been ordered, following news of its approval for use in the UK.

He tweeted: “NEW: the @Moderna_tx vaccine is authorised for use in the UK.

“I’m also delighted confirm the @beisgovukVaccine Taskforce has today secured a further 10m doses of their vaccine, taking our total order to 17m. Another huge step towards ending lockdown and returning to normal life.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Fantastic news. Now, #LetsVaccinateBritain.”

Our readers took to social media to give their views on the news. Joanne Nunn commented: "Fantastic news."

Richard Wragg said: "Good news, but 4 months before U.K. has any stock."

Linda Mitchell posted: "If coronavirus is anything like flu, I think this could be life, certainly I am considering continuing to wear a mask to shop.