The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Nadhim Zahawi to oversee the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The decision comes as NHS staff are preparing to be the first recipients of the serum.

It could be available within days of the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine being delivered.

The vaccine has proved to be 95% effective.

However, it needs to be stored at extremely low temperatures.

Mr Zahawi will organise the deployment of the vaccine.

He will report to Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Downing Street said in a statement:

“The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Nadhim Zahawi MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care.

“He remains a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.”

Mr Zahawi will focus on the deployment of the coronavirus vaccine, with the temporary arrangement set to last until at least next summer.