[ad_1]
LONDON, UK on Tuesday (December 8) hailed a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic as it begins the largest vaccination program in the country’s history with a new COVID-19 vaccine.
The first patients in line for what has been called “V-Day,” those over 80, nursing home workers and front-line health and social care staff at risk, will roll up their sleeves for a starting dose early in the morning.
They will then require a second prick in 21 days.
Last week, Britain became the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the pandemic, which has killed more than 1.5 million worldwide.
Britain has been one of the worst affected countries in the world, with more than 61,000 deaths in the outbreak of 1.6 million cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent days in intensive care with COVID-19 earlier this year, called it a “great step forward in the UK’s fight against coronavirus.”
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who offered to broadcast the coup on live television to allay public fears, said the launch was a “watershed moment” that would protect the most vulnerable.
The head of the state National Health Service in England, Simon Stevens, said it was a “decisive turning point” against the “greatest health challenge” since the NHS was founded in 1948.
Regulatory approval for the vaccine came last Wednesday, sparking a race against time to prepare dozens of vaccination centers across the country.
READ: After a yearlong sprint, COVID-19 vaccines are finally at hand
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the jab, enough to vaccinate 20 million people, with 800,000 in the first batch.
Up to four million doses are expected by the end of December.
The public has been very supportive of the rapid approval of the vaccine. (Photo: AFP / Yui Mok)
THE QUEEN COULD CARRY OUT
The mass vaccination campaign is a coordinated response by the four nations of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), which normally set their own health policies.
The public has been very supportive of the rapid approval of the vaccine, but ministers and health professionals are aware that they have yet to combat mistrust.
The independent Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency contends that no corners were cut and that its evaluation and approval procedures met stringent international standards.
READ: EU criticizes UK ‘hasty’ approval of COVID-19 vaccine
NHS England said thousands of people had already received the injection during the trials without serious side effects.
However, it has been reported that Queen Elizabeth II, who at 94 is among the first in line for vaccination due to her age, could spearhead a public awareness campaign urging compliance.
The government said it will distribute vaccination cards to remind people to get the booster after three weeks, but insisted it is not introducing immunity certificates.
Queen Elizabeth II, who at 94 is among the first in line for vaccination, could spearhead a public awareness campaign. (Photo: AFP / Aaron Chown)
“MARGINAL IMPACT” IN WINTER
Medical directors for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the vaccine will only have a “marginal impact” on the number of hospitals during the winter months as a result.
Johnson called for patience and urged the public to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines to avoid a spike in cases, particularly as the rules are relaxed around Christmas.
READ: Comment: Good news, the first approved COVID-19 vaccine is here. But don’t throw away your masks yet
Health officials have already run into a logistical headache over how to administer the vaccine to nursing home residents or the sick.
The vaccine must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius, leaving hospitals and other medical facilities as the only places capable of dealing with such ultra-low temperatures.
With the Belgian-made Pfizer-BioNTech drug, concerns have also been raised about possible supply disruption when Britain leaves the single market and the European Union customs union.
But the UK government said the army is on standby to lift the vaccine if there is any disruption at the border from January 1.
Most of Britain’s vaccine requirements are expected to be met with a jab developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, which is awaiting regulatory approval.
The government has ordered an initial 100 million dose of the drug, which is cheaper to manufacture and easier to store and transport using conventional refrigerators.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
