Children across Britain can look forward to Christmas now because Santa has been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Father Christmas was secretly the first person to get his vaccine shot, ahead of the much-publicised Margaret Keenan.

But health officials kept it quiet so non-believers were not offended that he had jumped the queue.

The Suffolk Gazette can reveal Santa flew into Suffolk to receive his shot at a secret location. His doctor urged him to get the vaccine as he is now of a certain age – and slightly overweight.

Medic Dr Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “It is a great relief, particularly for children everywhere, that Father Christmas will be fit and well, and undertaking his busy delivery schedule on Christmas Day.

“There were fears that he would be self-isolating in Lapland but now, thanks to Pfizer, Christmas is saved.”

An insider at the vaccination centre said Santa had been very brave.

“He rolled up his red sleeve with a ‘Ho, ho, ho’ and chatted to the team as the injection went in.

“He will now remain fit as a fiddle for Christmas.”

Suffolk Gazette Christmas gifts

You can help Santa out by getting the Suffolk Gazette to send you some Christmas gifts. Our mug selection from Dirty Old Goat is splendid. They make ideal gifts, and come with free handles and everything. Visit the online mugs shop or purchase below. We deliver via Royal Mail, letting Santa get on with sorting out the kids’ presents.