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A Covid jab could be available to everyone in early April, signaling a return to normalcy.
An NHS plan shows that all age groups can start getting the vaccine in late January if supplies are ready.
It depends on the government to carry out an unprecedented logistical effort.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in today’s 10th briefing that he was “increasingly confident” of a return to normalcy in the spring. “
The news came on the day government advisers said the outbreak could finally be subsiding.
The R rate, the number of people each new case infects, is now between 1 and 1.1, up from 1 to 1.2 the week before.
(Image: BIONTECH SE / FOLLETO / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
The National Survey on Covid-19 Infections also estimates that new cases in England are declining.
The NHS England planning document assumes 75% uptake of the vaccine and says that up to five million will receive the vaccine each week.
Two doses will be needed 28 days apart.
The document says that nursing home residents, social care workers and healthcare workers will be first in line from the beginning of next month.
Those over 80 could start receiving the jab starting in mid-December and then the 70-79 group starting in late December.
(Image: Getty Images)
At the beginning of January it would be the turn of those between 65 and 69 years old and all those of high and moderate risk under 65.
Those ages 50-64 will receive the jab from mid-January and those ages 18-49 from late January through March.
The plan is for 88.5 million doses to be administered at community vaccination sites run by GPs and at up to 50 large mass vaccination centers that will include conference centers and stadiums.
The secret document, seen by Health Service Journal, is dated Nov. 13 and was shared among top NHS leaders on Thursday.
The head of England’s largest NHS trust confirmed that in the “best case” it could be done in April.
(Image: PA)
Dr David Rosser from University Hospitals Birmingham said: “But the big trucks full of stuff won’t arrive before February, that seems clear.”
The launch of the vaccine depends on the data that confirm that the Moderna vaccine is safe.
The Pfizer vaccine has already published safety data.
It is unlikely that there will be enough supplies for such a rapid deployment without the Oxford University vaccine also being effective.
The results of the test will be published in the coming weeks.
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of Pfizer jab and expects 10 million doses by the end of the year.
It has also ordered 100 million doses of an approved Oxford vaccine.
Mr. Hancock said, “I know everyone wants to know the timing and speed of the launch.
“That will depend on the speed at which vaccines can be made.”
UNISON Secretary General Dave Prentis said: “The hopes of the nation are pinned on this.
“Nobody wants another test and track down the disaster.”
Rachel Harrison of the GMB union said: “Anything that helps end this nightmare is clearly good news, but past experience shows that the government is unlikely to deliver.”
The ministers will meet next week to try to clarify the coronavirus rules for Christmas.
England’s national lockdown will end on December 2, but staggered restrictions will return.
- American scientists have found that the antibodies produced by the MMR vaccine can cause less severe Covid symptoms.
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