Forum Topic

Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine Approved

COVID-19: Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine approved for use in UKhttp://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-oxfordastrazeneca-vaccine-approved-for-use-in-uk-12155958Fantastic news!! Roll-out will begin on Monday!!

Sue Hammond ● 1918d11 Comments

I thought that viruses do sometimes "recognise" race. And ethnic bioweapons have been suggested as a possibility for the future.I would be happy to be wrong.

David Ainsworth ● 1918d

And not forgetting the BioNTec, the collaborator with Pfizer is a German Turkish immigrant ... Yes, science, like viruses, doesn't recognise national boundaries or race.

Michael Ixer ● 1918d

"Our" scientists include:- Prof Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology- Prof Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity- Pascal Soriot (French), a doctor of veterinary medicine and executive director and chief executive officer of AstraZeneca (an Anglo-Swedish group)- Federica Cappuccini, post-doctoral Research Scientist at the Edward Jenner Institute- Sean Elias, member of the Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research at Oxford- Ekta Mukhopadhyay, research assistant Science is truly international.  One hopes the new Immigration Act (and the new-for-us national work permit rules within the EU) won't slow down academic and research exchanges that resulted in this fantastic success.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1918d

Thanks to Prof Sarah Gilbert

Michael Ixer ● 1918d

I applied some time ago to join the vaccination volunteer program, and completed my application on 22 December. The next step it an interview at the beginning of February, followed by online tutorials and then training. This morning I received an email reminding me to “don’t forget to complete the application process” - despite it being as complete as it could be.It maybe a simple glitch, but I do wonder about how many volunteers are currently trained, DBS approved and ready to roll....

John Cameron ● 1918d

"It is now a massive logistical programme..."One would have hoped that the programme was started some time ago!That was very funny David :-)

Ed Robinson ● 1918d

"It is now a massive logistical programme of getting it in arms at pace."You are assuming/hoping that they will use the arm.

David Ainsworth ● 1918d

I do not think I commented on the last thread concerning vaccines. I thought there were some reasonable questions/ concerns which some people raised only to be set upon and dismissed.Vaccines require confidence normally and that is best won by open honest discussions. Putting labels on people that raise any questions isn't the best approach IMO especially for those of us that do not know a nanodrop from a snow drop.

Ed Robinson ● 1918d

the "complete protection " claim sounds iffy.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55280671I dont understand how 2 full doses are less effective than half a dose + a full dose!"Two full doses of the Oxford vaccine gave 62% protection, a half dose followed by a full dose was 90% and overall the trial showed 70% protection."

Adam Tripp ● 1918d

LBC spoke to a professor who was part of the MHRA team of scientists who evaluated the Oxford drug and then approved its use.  He said that the first dose is effective after a few days and will prevent serious illness, and the second booster shot will be given after 12 weeks and will provide complete protection against the virus.  This is an absolutely amazing achievement from our wonderful scientists.👏🏻

Sue Hammond ● 1918d

Brilliant news. Prepare for a week or so of the naysayers and the news programmes searching high and low for some specialist to say they cant do it.Well done Oxford .It is now a massive logistical programme of getting it in arms at pace. Remembering that 3 weeks into the programme (when the 2nd shot us due)they will effectively have to double the output

Andy Pike ● 1918d