Forum Topic

Vaccine

I'm not old enough yet, but this seems now to have got rather confusing with people not getting a second dose. Will it even be the same make when they do get it. My cousin has been helping in the Sutton area getting over 80's filling in forms and pushing them in wheel chairs etc. Said at least 400 people a day being done.Somebody in Baker Street, a friend from the boat club, he's 85 not heard anything and been given the run around by his surgery, they past him from pillar to post, no straight answer. How many on the forum have had the vaccine out of curiosity.

Barbara Stevens ● 1940d94 Comments

Had Oxford vaccine at Scouts Hut yesterday it was quick, efficient and friendly the volunteers & NHS staff were wonderful. No waiting afterwards if you don’t drive and a cuppa for those that do. Was told will get 2nd dose in 12 weeks. Let’s look forward rather than backwards at what could have been, contagious numbers are slightly better, let’s continue to stay safe ease off on the blame game and think about a future when we can have more freedom.

Christine Bryan ● 1922d

Mary, yes you were right about the Scout Hall, it's now on the front page of the forum, they did run out of the vaccine for a few days. Perhaps we expect to much, most say very well organized. If there was no vaccine, there was no vaccine.

Barbara Stevens ● 1922d

Is yours at the Scout Hall as well. Another man I know in Fulham is having it at Parsons Green. So there are plenty doing the vaccine.

Barbara Stevens ● 1923d

I have an appointment this afternoon fingers and toes crossed

Ruth Wyman ● 1923d

Why would he have been waiting weeks, my neighbour had her's a couple of weeks ago they haven't been doing it that long that I know of. Perhaps we should be glad we haven't got to pay for the vaccine, like the flu jab also. I think their doing their best with the amount of residents in the area. I heard it was very well organized.

Barbara Stevens ● 1923d

Yes the guy who had been trying to get a vaccine for weeks and had an appointment for tomorrow said that but it was also said they had run out and didn’t know when they would get more - hopefully soon.

Mary Walker ● 1923d

That's not quite true: it was the man who was expecting/hoping for the vaccine who said that it would be bad if lack of supply meant it could open only for one day a week.

Richard Carter ● 1923d

The other thing they said is that it will only be open 1 day a week.

Mary Walker ● 1923d

My other half is going this Saturday, I've got the Friday afterwards. So I don't think the surgery would be contacting us. I'm sure they would be the first to know.

Barbara Stevens ● 1923d

The Scout Hut featured on a news item on London News on the BBC - they have run out of vaccines! The last day they were open was Saturday and they don’t know when they will next get supplies of the Vaccines.

Mary Walker ● 1923d

There are concerning reports that the Astra Zeneca vaccine is suffering from manufacturing problems which might affect the pace of deliveries.  Also, the Pfizer vaccine orders have been completed and there is an almighty international scramble to order more doses, so supplies of that may be constrained as the NHS works its way down the risk groups.  They are well into groups 1, 2 and 3 and even some in group 4 right now but I am hoping my second dose in early April will be there when I show up.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1928d

Good to hear that Jonathan. I've heard good reports of the scout hour from others. A good example of giving it to people who know what they're doing - the NHS and army logistics - rather than your friends (as with track, trace isolate). I supplies the logistics is a bit different to what the army is used to so some deviations from planning are to be expected; perhaps they need to borrow some software from Ocado or one of the other supermarkets who seem to be reasonably accurate in scheduling to an hour's slot? 

Michael Ixer ● 1928d

They need to get their logistics in getting the vaccine where it is needed right.  Pretty typical that Matt Hancock would turn up for a photo opportunity only to find that the vaccine had not been delivered yet.  In Chiswick they had an enormous queue in the cold of the over 80s because the vaccine was delivered late. So you can get everything set up and ready and be let down.  With the Oxford vaccine it will be easier.  It would also be easier I would have thought to vaccinate those who are wheelchair bound at home - it wouldn't surprise me if the surgeries don't have a note of a lot of those.  The PR race to increase the figures may make it difficult for those who can't get to the surgeries/vaccine stations.  Although many doing a brilliant job now we have known the vaccines were on their way for a while and so there could have been better planning.  It seems there are still trained people offering to help who have been stuck in the bureaucracy.

Philippa Bond ● 1928d

Yes I was a bit gloomy about timing. A pessimist is never disappointed!I think the NHS is doing a brilliant job despite the acute pressure on hospitals and ten years of funding constraints. The government has not got much right during this pandemic but they seem to be doing a better job with the vaccination programme. My cousin up north who is older than me hasn’t had her jab yet and nor has her even older husband.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1930d

JonathonCongratulations and so much quicker than your doom laden prediction of being lucky to get it before April on a previous post.Is that well done to the Govt then?

Andy Pike ● 1930d

My wife and I got our first jabs today (the Pfizer vaccine).The operation at the Scout Hut is so friendly and efficient - a real tribute to the NHS!  And a reminder to those who want to privatise everything - don't!We get the second jabs in early April - already in the diary.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1930d

Todays article in the Guardian attempts to explain why the French are sceptical about vaccines. Pasteur must be turning in his grave.

Lucille Grant ● 1932d

"up to 60% of French people don't want to be vaccinated."Bit of a kick in the teeth for Louis Pasteur then! Probably worried that they might put on weight.

David Ainsworth ● 1932d

One reason why France has such a low vaccine take-up is that there is widespread scepticism there over vaccines: opinion polls report thwt uo to 60% of French people don't want to be vaccinated.

Richard Carter ● 1932d

Hello Richard,I just double-checked the website.  When searching for the Minor Injuries Unit, the first thing that appears is that it is "Temporarily Closed".However, when opening their website, this is the announcement you will see (in bright red!)"Due to Covid-19, the Minor Injuries Unit is currently closed. From 1 December 2020, a temporary enhanced primary care hub will open at Queen Mary’s Hospital. Services provided at the hub will include treatment for wounds and minor injuries and GP appointments.Please be aware that the primary care hub is not a walk-in service – appointments must be made via your GP or by the NHS 111 service.Visit our website here for more information."

Ivonne Holliday ● 1934d

Andy"The EMA already has the drug-makers' phase 3 data as part of a rolling review, but the vaccine producers are yet to hand a formal submission for conditional marketing authorization from the EU regulator."https://www.politico.eu/article/oxford-astrazeneca-to-submit-application-for-coronavirus-vaccine-approval-in-eu-next-week/

Ed Robinson ● 1934d

UK figures appear to be released weekly. The latest are for the week ending 3rd January. Seem to have been released on the 7th January, so I guess that the next release will be on the 14th.https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/01/COVID-19-total-announced-vaccinations-7-January-2021-2.pdf

David Ainsworth ● 1934d

Also note on the graph Richard that those above uk had 4 days more than us.( 7th Jan v 3rd Jan)  Not exactly eggs and eggs although you tend to hunt for something that supports your point. Tens of thousands a day make quite a difference.

Andy Pike ● 1935d

The UK not so world-beating in administering the vaccine(s) — though admittedly better than France, which Andy specifically mentions.

Richard Carter ● 1935d

Just had my vaccine jab at the Scout Hut. An incredibly efficient opera\tion with lots of helpful volunteers.

Caroline Whitehead ● 1936d

Andy, I wasn't nitpicking about the minor hiccup - I acknowledged in my post that such things happen. In one report I heard I understood the one of the doctors notified Hancock the vaccine hadn't turned up but perhaps he did already know  - yes, appalled wasn't really the right word, I was probably more amused about his photo op not going as planned as I'm fed up with Johnson et al overselling rather than being realistic - do we still have a test, track, isolate system? Is it world beating? Where is Dido Harding?I'm sure army logistics and the NHS will do a great job in rolling out the vaccine - they are professionals who know what they're doing, and I do know of people who've been vaccinated already so it is happening; I just wish the amateurs in our government would just let them get in with it ...

Michael Ixer ● 1936d

At least we have the Oxford one approved which has still not been approved by the EU.Frances vaccination programs continues at pace...nearly a thousand done now . Richard please look at both sides of this.Michael my understanding is that Hancock was aware of the hiccup of the vaccine being a day late  but went ahead with the visit as that would less embarrassing than cancelling at the last minute. What would all you critics have made of that? You'd have been so excited you wouldnt sleep for a week.time to get behind the vaccination programs rather than nit picking every minor hiccup.

Andy Pike ● 1936d

Another triumph: the Moderna vaccine will be approved for use here soon, but won't be available until April - because we are no longer part of the EU.

Richard Carter ● 1936d

Yes, it was due to open on 1st December (https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/newsitem/temporary-enhanced-primary-care-hub-to-open-at-queen-marys-hospital-from-1-december-accessed-via-gp-referral-or-nhs-111/) but it doesn't seem to have happened, maybe because of staff shortages through covid?

Richard Carter ● 1937d

Rather worrying that Hancock turns up for a PR photo shoot at a surgery in Bloomsbury but the star of the show, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, doesn't - and a doctor their apparently had to break the news. Ok, it's a complex production and supply operation so hitches are to be expected, but the lack of communication seems appalling? It would be interesting to have been a fly on the wall when he got back to his office ...

Michael Ixer ● 1937d

It appears that the vaccination programme is really getting going now! Thanks goodness, I hope it continues at pace (Govt speak 😺).

Sue Hammond ● 1937d

A way to go yet for me then. So glad it's happening.

Lucille Grant ● 1937d

My step dad is having hes first vaccination tomorrow,second is in April...Hes GP at Alton practice called him Monday to arrange.

Sally Bishop ● 1937d

81 this year.

Barbara Stevens ● 1937d

That is good news Barbara. How old is your neighbour?

Lucille Grant ● 1937d

Lucille, my neighbour has been called up for Saturday at the Scout Hall, Oxford Rd. ( from Putneymead ).

Barbara Stevens ● 1937d

Thank you Sue. Hope we don't have to wait too long now!

Lucille Grant ● 1937d

Hi Lucille.  I have just spoken to Putneymead  and the receptionist told me they have already started their vaccination roll-out and it is being done at Oxford Road scout hut.

Sue Hammond ● 1938d

Thanks Caroline.

Lucille Grant ● 1938d

Richard,I thought it had opened and that an appointment is needed (through 111?) to attend it.I think this was reported on PutneySW15 at the time.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1938d

According to a report on this site (http://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=info&page=ldrscovid004.htm), Queen Mary's is to be a vaccination centre. Meanwhile, does anyone know if the old Urgent Care Centre, due to reopen on 1st December as a new temporary enhanced primary care hub, is going to open, ever?

Richard Carter ● 1938d

Lucille: Apparently Putneymead is in the West Wandsworth cluster: Putneymead, Danebury Avenue,Alton and Roehamptopn Lane surgeries. I don't know where the Vaccination centre will be. Possibly Q.Mary's?

Caroline Whitehead ● 1938d

Isn't Putneymead included Caroline?

Lucille Grant ● 1938d

Ed.The infamous Internet's digital divide  ... a!though that probably has different meanings to different people (there's the people who can afford it but don't know how to use it versus those who want to use it but can't get access to it). So, should home internet connectivity for education be subsidised in the same way as school meals and transport? But then, should school uniforms be subsidised?I think we're off the topic of vaccines ... 

Michael Ixer ● 1938d

Vaccinations are now starting at the Oxford Rd Scout Hut for those in the Wandsworth Prime group of Surgeries: Heathbridge, Chartfield, Mayfield & Tudor Lodge.The surgery will call when anhj appointment is due.

Caroline Whitehead ● 1938d

Yes Michael. Speed is only relevant if you are in the race.Many people also have no broadband but very small data limits on their phone.

Ed Robinson ● 1938d

Ed  are you refer to those who  live where there is no broadband or mobile service, or those who can't afford a connection?

Michael Ixer ● 1938d

Michael but what about the people with no mobile or broadband internet?Where do they come?

Ed Robinson ● 1938d

Sad to see in this survey the UK cones #47 for fixed broadband and #42 for mobile throughputs ...https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2020/12/2019-vs-2020-uk-broadband-and-mobile-speeds-vs-the-world.html

Michael Ixer ● 1938d

Richard - if only we had a political party with a public internet policy or any policy come to think of it!

Ed Robinson ● 1938d

It was interesting and depressing to hear Johnson answering - or rather, not answering - the questions at his press conference today. Vicky Young of the BBC asked a highly pertinent question: how, she asked, could we have confidence on his judgement when on Sunday he was insisting that all schools should stay open and on the very next day he ordered them to close.His response, which you can hear on the iPlayer (at  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000rgfj/bbc-news-special-coronavirus-update-05012021, about 44 minutes in) was a masterpiece in obfuscation that rambled on endlessly. Trying to extract something from it, it seems that the government had been worrying over the new variant of covid in the two and a half weeks since December 18th but then decided, overnight, to close all schools. Doesn't provide much reassurance that he knows what he's doing.

Richard Carter ● 1938d

I am looking forward to seeing the 90 year old granny in her mobility vehicle who once she got her jab driving up and down a high street somewhere in England flicking v signs at teenagers.  That story made my day!

Jonathan Callaway ● 1939d

"No cases at all in North Korea. Why? If you catch it you get shot."I suppose that idea would save a lot of lives overall, but don't spread it round.-------------------------‘It was the pyres,’ said my husband. He meant the effect of television pictures of cattle, hooves silhouetted against the sky, burnt during the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. It was eradicated by culling six million beasts, not by vaccination producing herd immunity." (Spectator, 26th September, 2020)

David Ainsworth ● 1939d

No cases at all in North Korea. Why?  If you catch it you get shot.

Jonathan Callaway ● 1939d

Maybe if the pandemic had held on a year we nay have fared better. But I agree we should gave closed ouf borders on day 1. But can you imagine the squealing there would have been then . Not just from the libertarians but also Wayne and his missus who were off to Benidorm ! As soon as the 1sf lockdown was relaxed I ciuldnt believe hiw nany people wanted to head abroad and the complaints when thd govts closed off routes etc we did not use our island status to protect ourselves.

Andy Pike ● 1939d

Andy the rest of Europe isn't a couple of islands!Why are we a island for Brexit but not for Covid?

Ed Robinson ● 1939d

Andy some places like S. Korea and Japan wear a mask to stop the spread of flu during normal times - it's not because they are obeying government but because they are part of society and wish to protest others.Early deaths are early deaths IMO no matter how old or young the person is. The "would have died anyway" attitude is only applicable to those that think they are immortal. I'm glad we can agree on that.Sadly competency of government and opposition also plays a part as does our institutions. Complacency, lack of investment  and pure stubbornness to reform and learn from best practice has left us ill prepared for this pandemic with dreadful social and economic outcomes.

Ed Robinson ● 1939d

Yes Ed and I will follow the rules even though they are a pain in the backside. But necessary. However those that dont like that mob at the Julian Assange case today or presumed league footballers at parties over the holiday, and those b...rds who think it ok to party and put others at risk. Those people risk making everyone else's sacrifices a waste of time. So blame politicians if thats your thing but they are not spreading the virus. The people spreading it are those that feel the rules dont apply to them.

Andy Pike ● 1939d

Ok David if we are so bad what's the excuse for the rest of Europe. Although that may not suit your narrative we are not alone in our failings.And all the critics are doing so with either hindsight or without the responsibility of having to take those decisions themselves.

Andy Pike ● 1939d

"And a population that to a man and woman will do as they are told no questions asked."That sounds like North Korea.

David Ainsworth ● 1939d

Says the person locked down for the third time...

Ed Robinson ● 1939d

Yes David, they take it very seriously (food looked good too).If you read experiences from travellers from other countries that also take it seriously you soon realise that perhaps we have got it wrong.I can understand the strict measures and also the Swedish light method (but do not agree), but I just can't understand our government's policy - it's the worse of both and don't get me started on zoo's.....

Ed Robinson ● 1939d

And a population that to a man and woman will do as they are told no questions asked.

Andy Pike ● 1939d

Thanks for that. Quite amazing. South Korea has about twice our population density and yet South Korea has less than 1000 deaths.

David Ainsworth ● 1939d

It's worth remembering that we are so dependent upon the vaccine because everything else has been such a disaster.Interesting twitter thread by a Korean journalist comparing his experience landing at Heathrow with that of going back to South Korea.https://twitter.com/koryodynastyWith schools out till whenever - let's hope the government have done their homework this time regarding the vaccine rollout!for non twitterhttps://www.thepoke.co.uk/2021/01/04/this-fascinating-insight-into-s-koreas-covid-precautions-went-viral-because-its-so-different-to-uk-and-us/

Ed Robinson ● 1939d

"Appalling and quite frightening how unreachable they seem to be. And how abusive they are to those who disagree."It is strange how many people on that side do share so many weird ideas. Surely one or two such beliefs is enough for anybody? If they could concentrate a bit, they might come up with a useful criticism. I have never seen so much utter flakiness in a group in my whole life. If I were a bit younger they would scare me.And after hearing and reading some of Trump's phone call with the Georgia election officers yesterday, perhaps I actually am a bit scared.

David Ainsworth ● 1939d

I follow various people on Twitter to try to understand what seems to drive opinions away from the mainstream bubble. I think it is ageing me prematurely. The Covid deniers, the anti-vaxxers, the anti-mask people, the anti-lockdown people and the conspiracies they brew up and disseminate. Appalling and quite frightening how unreachable they seem to be. And how abusive they are to those who disagree. What is worst of all are the shock-jock types who nurture this stuff. One of the worst idvJulia Hartley-Brewer. So irresponsible, so provocative!

Jonathan Callaway ● 1939d

That sentence should have read " it's unclear what type of vaccine was given in the first injection " 🙂

Michael Ixer ● 1939d

Sorry, Richard, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.  For me, the likes of Emily Morgan, Hugh Pym, Paul Brand and Andrew Marr have all been great - informative, balanced and challenging when required.  On the other hand, Peston, Kuennsberg and Rigby have been unstintingly critical, seeking to find a negative in any positive story (and goodness do we need all the positive news we can get) and ultimately seem to want to make all their reports about themselves.  It’s probably a symptom of lockdown hysteria, but I can’t bear to watch any of them any more!

Craig Fordham ● 1939d

I found this on the DHSC websiteGroup 1 - care home residents, care home workers (total population 1.1 million)Group 2 - those 80 and over plus health and social care workers (5.1 million)Group 3 - those 75 or over (2.3 mn)Group 4 - those 70 or over (3.3 mn)Group 5 - those 65 or over (3.4 mn)Group 6 - those 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions (2.2 mn)Group 7 - those 60 and over (3.8 mn)Group 8 - those 55 and over (4.4 mn)Group 9 - those 50 and over (4.7 mn)Group 10 - the rest of us, groupings yet to be decided (a total of 42 mn)

Jonathan Callaway ● 1939d

Barbara. It seems that although mixing the vaccines isn't recommended it can be done if necessary for some reason - it's nuclear what type of vaccine wassx given inn the first injection, or a shortage of supplies of one vaccine. It's not harmful, it's just that the effectiveness of combining the vaccines is unknown and may be less effective than using just the one type for both injections. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/covid-vaccine-uk-mixing-b1781707.html

Michael Ixer ● 1939d

I thought originally they had been testing to see who had had the virus, because you could then have immunity, so they thought. Now they have started dishing out the vaccine to over 80's and one of the mother's of a Loose Women presenter said she now didn't know when her mother would be given the second dose. Is there nobody who has the knowledge to get things in the right order.What if the second dose doesn't work with the 1st dose, then complications set in. Will they then need an antidote to sort out the whole blasted mess.

Barbara Stevens ● 1939d

But Craig, it's their **job** to get answers from these people, and one reason they may have been a bit aggressive at times is the complete inability - or unwillingness - of the politicians to actually answer what they're asked, instead of shoehorning in their hopelessly irrelevant but already prepared "answers."

Richard Carter ● 1940d

One of the worst things about this whole crisis has been Peston, Rigby and Kuennsberg constantly playing ‘gotcha’ to try to catch politicians and scientists out and playing one-upmanship over who has the best ‘sources’...and don’t start me on the briefings when they try to shoe-horn eight questions into one.  All three of them have been truly dreadful.

Craig Fordham ● 1940d

It's unclear whether it really is a good idea to delay the second dose of the Oxford vaccine. Apparently it was administered in the trials with varying levels of delay (and the variation was reportedly inadvertent), and there is genuine discussion on whether the delay is a good thing or not. Some argue that it's best to get as many people as possible vaccinated with the first dose, whilst others say that's putting more vulnerable people at risk to save the less vulnerable from a mild case of covid: this is a good example of the different points of view:https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-the-oxford-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-being-approved-for-use-in-the-uk-by-the-mhra/

Richard Carter ● 1940d

Another thought. Nothing confirmed yet, but there are concerns the current vaccines may not be effective against the new South African mutation of Covid. By delaying the booster by three months it might be possible to incorporate protection against that? My understanding is the vaccines can be modified reasonably quickly once the gene sequence of new mutations have been completed? Hands up, that's pure speculation on my part.

Michael Ixer ● 1940d

i am not at all confused, In fact my initial post was trying to reassure others who had suggested they were confused.Re read my posts no confusion at all. I'm sure you will point out where my confusion lies

Andy Pike ● 1940d

As I noted above the tests have only been done for specific scenarios, e.g. a 21 day time lapse between injections for Pfizer's, anything else is an extrapolation based on the data from those tests and (I presume) knowledge based on the immune system and vaccinations from previous research and experience. There's no suggestion it's medically dangerous just a possibility that it may or may not be as effective. However, if there's limited vaccine supplies it may be worth doing if it provides better protection than we currently have, I.e. none!

Michael Ixer ● 1940d

They are all the same i think in that the data will only show the results for what is considered to be the optimum time period.

Matt Palmer ● 1940d

Is that the same with the Oxford vaccine? Haven't seen much medical evidence on that yet (which aware is our main source for the vaccine).

Gabrielle OMahony ● 1940d

glad we agree it's confusing Andy.

Matt Palmer ● 1940d

I think the issue is that Pfizer have said there's no data to show a delay of up to 12 weeks gives you the same level of immunity as a 3 week delay.That doesn't mean it won't work, just that Pfizer don't know.Fauci seems against the idea also.

Matt Palmer ● 1940d

Personally as long as medically OK why woudn't you get more of the population (i.e. over 60s or those with underlying health issues) with 1 round of the jab then go back and give the 2nd dose?This way you're mot likely majorly reducing the hospitalizations & deaths from Covid. This means we can then reopen everything while we go through the 2nd doses/under 60s.

Gabrielle OMahony ● 1940d

'May' is the key word.It doesn't say will or certainly it says may.

Andy Pike ● 1940d

@Andy 09.25Robert Preston, ITV, is one of the worst.  The shouty woman on SKY is Beth Rigby.

Sue Hammond ● 1940d

It came about after this guidance was in the goverments own 'playbook', so the gov is responsible for the confusion.If a second dose of the vaccine a patient originally received isn’t available, or if the manufacturer of the first shot isn’t known, another vaccine may be substituted.

Matt Palmer ● 1940d

All journalists Sue particularly the tv ones who constantly ask 'what if' type questions and then report it in a later edited report completely differently.One of the worst was the shouty  woman from Sky who then got stood down for breaching covid rules with Kay Burley. Pot and kettle ..

Andy Pike ● 1940d

"a lot of the confusion throughtout this pandemic comes from journalists constantly looking for negatives and then misrepresenting the response."Oh, you must mean Guardian journalists!

Sue Hammond ● 1940d

France have done 3 _ 400.On the 1 or 2 jab position this seems to be a decision made by the chief medical officers of the 4 nations and actually makes sense in the short term.Ie twice the number of people with 90% protection from 1 jab rather than half with 95% from 2. I dont think there is any suggestion of mixing jabs it was on answer to a journos question about mixing in error that the response was given that it was not thought to be harmful.a lot of the confusion throughtout this pandemic comes from journalists constantly looking for negatives and then misrepresenting the response.

Andy Pike ● 1940d

Israel may have done a Million, but quite selectively it seems https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/03/palestinians-excluded-from-israeli-covid-vaccine-rollout-as-jabs-go-to-settlers

Sean Hodges ● 1940d

Well with the New Year 2021, just perhaps the virus hopefully might just disappear after this sudden new spike in cases. After all the confusion with what we can do and can't do. Spend your money eat out, don't spend your money stay in. Go out for exercise, now don't. All the time children are at school the virus will spread as they pass things around anyway. After Andrew Marr this morning with Boris the interview was not making much sense, apart from a stutter here and there.

Barbara Stevens ● 1940d

I am sufficiently old to be put in the ‘aged’ group and eager to be given the vaccine but only when health workers and carers have all had their turn.  I understand that many over 80’s were vaccinated last week in Barnes thanks to all the voluntary workers and fantastic organisation.  I will have to keep the faith in our amazing NHS regarding the second dose, despite conflicting views in today’s papers.

Sandra Edwards ● 1940d

Barbara - Israel have done 1 million since the 19th December, the UK 940,000 since 8th December.From the other thread and other reading things seem patchy in the UK.There are suggestions from some people to do school staff first - if so I believe there are around 1 million staff. Some reports have been just mentioning teachers but forgetting teaching assistants and all the other staff.Good news from India too as they have ramped up production but also doing a dry run - which sound silly but seems quite sensible.

Ed Robinson ● 1940d

The government seems to have changed the period between the first and second shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine from 21 days to 12 weeks. That seems to be because of supply shortages. The vaccine suppliers don't seem to keen on the change as it's not been tested. It's not actually harmful but there's a question over whether that might affect the vaccine's efficacy.  I'm not sure what the plans are for the Oxford vaccine rollout: it was tested with two shots but there were a small number of tests done in error that seemed to indicate a single shot might have a higher efficacy! I think further testing has been suggested.  Mixing the vaccines has been suggested but again it's not been tested - it's unlikely to be harmful but it could have a reduced efficacy. There do seem to be different expert  views on this but I'd have thought the government should stick with what's been tested. However, they seem to be following an untested path that some vaccinations of a larger population is better than fewer done following the tested route.Do we have another government mess in the making? More changing of direction?

Michael Ixer ● 1940d