Judy Murray: Coronavirus vaccine news has given us all a shot in the arm, but anti-vaxxers may turn out to be a real pain in the backside

In the last few dark months, while we have all been turning into Zoom-bies and baking endless batches of banana bread, a group of scientists have been working tirelessly to help end the pandemic. Now, it seems, there is finally light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel.

Last week, the first vaccine, developed in collaboration between Pfizer and BioNTech, was approved for use in the UK, marking the beginning of the end of a horrible period that has seen so many people sacrifice so much.

The news is – quite literally – a massive shot in the arm for everyone and it feels like one of those “where were you moments” we’ll all be talking about for decades to come.

It felt like the news just came out of nowhere but, from the geniuses who initially isolated the Covid-19 virus, to the 43,500 selfless people from six countries who volunteered to test the vaccine, so much work has gone on quietly behind the scenes.

I must admit, I’m glad the pharmaceutical companies decided to share their exploits only once they were absolutely sure the vaccine worked – can you imagine the disappointment if there had been dribs and drabs of information, only to later be told we were no closer to a cure?

All going to plan, it’s expected the first vaccinations in Scotland will begin as early as Tuesday, as elderly people in care homes and their carers are the first to receive the jab, followed closely by those over-80 and healthcare staff.

© Andrew Cawley

It’s worrying to see there are some people (mostly on social media) questioning the safety of the vaccine, but there will always be a small minority who profess the supposed dangers of vaccination.

In recent years we have seen a rise of “anti-vaxxers” who choose not to vaccinate their children against diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella, but I hope for all our sakes the majority take a much more sensible approach.

No, we can’t force people to be vaccinated, but after seeing so many people lose loved ones, livelihoods and more, surely everyone will be keen to play their part to protect the most vulnerable in our society? During the pandemic we agreed “we’re all in this together” so what is required for the greater good has never been clearer.

After isolation, upheaval, doom and gloom, it will be a relief when our families are finally protected. My parents, for example, have had to be extra careful to stay safe, and it will be fantastic to see them able to spread their wings again as we slowly return to normal – they’ll be booking their slot for a vaccine as soon as they can.

What more can I say than, thank you, science – this truly is the Christmas present we have all been hoping for.