[ad_1]
The easing of lockdown restrictions in the UK could be delayed due to a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines and its knock-on effects could last for months, one expert warned.
Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor of cell microbiology at the University of Reading, said the reasons for the delay are unknown, but “it will certainly make meeting deadlines for lifting restrictions more difficult than it would have been. “.
“By delaying the first doses for those under 50, their second doses are also being delayed. If full vaccination is required for vacations abroad or even more mundane things like going to the movies, millions of younger people may end up. being barred from participating for the entire summer, “said Dr. Clarke, adding that” the ripple effects could last for months. “
Since the pandemic, the UK has recorded more than 4.2 million Covid-19 cases, including more than 125,000 deaths. The vaccination process began in early December 2020 and so far more than 25 million people have received their first doses of vaccination.
But health authorities have warned of a “significant reduction” by one month in the weekly supply of injections.
According to UK National Health Service officials, due to supply problems, people under the age of 50 should only be pricked if they are in a priority group, which means that younger adults may need to wait longer for receive the coronavirus vaccine. .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said during a recent conference that “the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine is always irregular,” but insisted the country was on track to meet the goal of offering the first dose to all seniors. 50 years before April 15.
However, Jonathan Ashworth of the Labor Party urged Hancock to explain the supply problems the government is taking to solve them.
“People across the country will be anxious and concerned about this news of immunization delays tonight. Those concerns are completely legitimate and we needed answers. Matt Hancock should explain what the problem is with the supply and what efforts are being made to resolve it. What’s going on? I hope Matt Hancock can tell us at the Commons tomorrow, ”he said in separate tweets.
However, the companies that distribute the doses insist that the supply is on the right track.
An AstraZeneca spokesperson said that “the UK domestic supply chain is not experiencing any disruption and there is no impact on our delivery schedule”, while its Pfizer counterpart said deliveries are on track with a “constant supply of vaccines “.
Additional agency reports
