Rollout of the coronavirus vaccine will begin tomorrow, following criticism over delays to the programme.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine began arriving in Ireland on St Stephen’s Day and the country now has nearly 10,000 doses in cold storage.

The HSE had originally said rollout would not begin until December 30th, warning that staff who would be administering the jab had not been trained in yet.

That has now been brought forward by one day after the Medical Council said it was “frustrating” that patients are still at risk when the vaccine was “within arm’s reach.”

Donegal GP Dr Denis McAuley told Newstalk said it is important that people see the rollout beginning as the country begins its third round of strict coronavirus restrictions.

“It will be the middle of January or the end of January before we have a significant amount of vaccine given so one or two days will not make any difference,” he said.

“I think it is important from a psychological and optical point of view that we give the vaccine before the end of the year.

“Whether that is one vaccine or 100 vaccines, functionally, that will not make a difference.”

Meanwhile, a new survey has found that more than 70% of Irish people will take the vaccine when it is offered to them.

The poll, carried out be RED C Research, found that 71% are in favour of getting the dose with nearly two in five saying they will definitely get it.