The core functions of the Vaccine Taskforce (VTF) will merge with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the OLS in the autumn, the government has announced.

The VTF was set up in 2020 to secure effective vaccines for the UK as quickly as possible and helped the UK to be the first country in the world to deploy an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

From October, the vaccine supply responsibilities of the VTF will move to UKHSA to establish a permanent function. Staff from the VTF will become part of a new directorate within UKHSA to ensure a smooth transition and embed learnings from the VTF.

Responsibility for the VTF onshoring programme will move to the OLS, a joint unit of the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Director General of the Vaccine Taskforce, Madelaine McTernan CB, said:

The VTF has demonstrated how working in partnership across government, industry and academia can deliver incredible results. I am very proud of what the VTF has delivered over the last 2 years, both here in the UK and internationally, thanks to the hard work and will to win of a great many people.

Chief Executive of UKHSA, Dame Jenny Harries, said:

This is a real investment by government in UKHSA and a strong recognition of the excellent science and new thinking encapsulated in our organisation – a very exciting opportunity for us all and one which helps us realise new ambitions as a global scientific leader. With its innovative way of working and close links with academia and industry, the Vaccine Taskforce functions joining us will be a tremendous asset – complementing our excellent vaccines and immunisation work.

We look forward to welcoming our colleagues and the invaluable expertise they will bring. Embedding their unique approach will help us realise our future ambitions around science and innovation, and crucially strengthen our pandemic preparedness and build resilience to future health threats.