UK’s National Health Services plans to start COVID-19 mass vaccination by November of this year.
Leaked documents from the National Health Services (NHS) indicate it is ready to start mass vaccination for COVID-19. It further revealed that the trials are in the final stages and are ready to roll out based on the results.
On October 8, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, issued a statement staying,
“There’s hope that by the end of this year, we may have a vaccine.”
Sources from The Sun stated that the earliest results from the ongoing trial would be obtained in a month.
The first line of people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
The first mass vaccination will first arrive in cities like Leeds, Hull, and London. Hundreds of vaccination mobile units will take off, covering the cities mentioned above.
Additionally, general physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, veterinary doctors, dieticians, and nurses will be assisting in the job. They will primarily focus on vulnerable communities and care homes.
UK’s Health Secretary mentioned that the vaccine would be delivered on a priority basis. The first ones to receive will be the ones in care homes, and its staff will be in the priority. It will then be followed by NHS’ staff and individuals aged over 80.
Population under 18 and individuals with a high risk of deaths won’t be vaccinated until everyone receives it. It’s speculated that some patients may need two doses with 28 days apart.
In other words, 53 million adults should receive two doses in six months time period. Which nearly accounts for around 600,000 doses a day. The officials say if this is to happen, it will be a tough task to overcome.
What the reports say
Despite the statements made, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization states that the priority can change if the first available dose is not suitable for the age group.
Oxford University has started developing the trials in April. Nilay Shah, a co-author of the report, said that everyone could not access the vaccine in just a month, even if it is already available. It will take nine months, and the lockdowns might still be in place.
The government officials said that it’s ready to deliver the vaccine once it comes out. If proved successful, 100 million doses will be prepared for dispatch from Oxford.
The waiting game and execution
It has also ensured that PPE equipment, logistics, and transportation services are ready along with the doses. Ex-Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt added that there are four strong vaccine candidates. He hopes that at least one of them will prove to be successful.
He further added that along with the NHS, The Armed Forces were also asked to help in executing the plan.
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