CAPTAIN SIR Tom Moore was unable to have his Covid vaccine before he caught the virus because of his pneumonia medication, it has been revealed.
The 100-year-old national hero – who would have been among the first wave of Brits to get the jab – was not allowed to make the journey to his local vaccination centre, his family said.
Follow our Captain Tom Moore live blog for all the latest updates on the national hero.
A spokeswoman for his family said: “Because of the medication he was taking for his pneumonia he couldn’t have the Covid jab.
“But other than that, the information that was in his daughter Hannah’s statement is all we can share at the moment.
“Everyone is sending positive thoughts his way.”
Today the war veteran, who was awarded a knighthood by the Queen for raising millions for the NHS, was admitted to hospital in Bedford after struggling with his breathing.
His daughter Hannah said he has been battling pneumonia for the last few weeks and last week tested positive for Covid.
She said that he is currently not in intensive care as she thanked medical staff for doing "all they can" to make him comfortable.
Captain Tom has been seen in public since returning from a bucket-list holiday in Barbados after Christmas.
Captain Tom Moore won the hearts of the nation with his bid to raise money for NHS staff before his 100th birthday on April 30.
The hero set out to reach £1,000 when he started the appeal and has since picked up many awards.
During the first UK lockdown from March 23, his aim was to walk 100 laps of the 25-metre (82ft) loop in his garden with the aid of a walking frame in Marston Moretaine, in 10-lap chunks.
He went on to raise £32,796,355 for NHS charities.
The statement from the war hero's daughter Hannah reads: "I wanted to update everybody that today my father was admitted to hospital.
"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19.
"He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing.
"He is being treated on a ward, although he is not in ICU.
"The medical care he has received in the last few weeks has been remarkable and we know that the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible.
"We understand that everyone will be wishing him well. We are of course focusing on my father and will update you when we can."
The national hero has received plenty of well wishes since the news broke earlier today.
PM Boris Johnson tweeted: "My thoughts are very much with Captain Tom Moore and his family.
"You've inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was sending his "best wishes" to Sir Tom's family.
Michael Ball, who recorded a charity single with Captain Sir Tom Moore that reached number one, tweeted: "Love and prayers for @captaintommoore and his lovely family as he battles this b*****d of a virus.
"Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you."
Last July the Queen knighted Captain Tom which was her first face-to-face engagement since lockdown began in March 2020.
Before the ceremony Captain Tom treasure joked "if I kneel down, I'll never get up again, but I'm sure it'll go well, as she's done it before".
Her Majesty performed the special ceremony at Windsor Castle for the fundraising legend as a special exception.
With her father's sword in her hand, the Queen, 94, lightly touched him first on his right shoulder then his left with the blade – dubbing him a knight.
She told him: "Thank you so much. An amazing amount of money you raised."
In November Captain Tom became the oldest cover star for British GQ magazine.
He said that being on the cover was “something special” and quipped: “Maybe next year, I’ll be the oldest again!”
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