Jonathan Van Tam on the Pfizer vaccine: "I have to say this is a really important scientific breakthrough. I am certain of that."

JVT: "We've seen today the results which show the effectiveness of the first vaccine. We haven't seen the detail...the next step is to see the safety data, which I imagine will come in the next few days."

JVT: "Age is the biggest priority...they need to get the vaccines first if they are safe and effective...I'm hopeful but not yet certain that we might be able to see some vaccine by Christmas."

JVT: "It is good news for many other vaccines to come...It's like getting to the end of the playoff final, it's gone to penalties. The first player goes up. Scores a goal. You haven't won the cup yet but what it tells you the goalkeeper can be beaten."

BUT BUT BUT

JVT: "Frankly, we're in the middle of the second wave and I don't see the vaccine making any difference for the wave we're now in. I'm hopeful it may prevent future waves but this one we have to battle through to the end without a vaccine."