Covid vaccine - only half the population and not for under 18s (FT article)

[snowballer]

Don't know if this has already been mentioned elsewhere but thought it was worth posting. I've read quite a few posts where people have been musing about whether or not they would vaccinate their children. The article says adults only, and of those adults only those over 50 plus healthcare workers and those who are vulnerable.

It's not clear whether it would be available privately to those outside these groups or whether the vaccine is not formulated for children (I'm no scientist so don't know if this is even a thing!)

Pic of article below - fingers crossed it posts.

@lljkk

Presumably the vaccine will be available privately at a not-ridiculous price.

I'd be paying for it like a shot (excuse the pun)

I am 59 with a couple of small health issues. I am happy for the over 65s, people with health conditions and key workers to have the vaccine first.

They don't usually vaccinate all with flu jab because people don't want it, I thought, so as not to waste money because every shot costs, they put in an order the year before, hence the lack of jabs right now because this year's order was made before Covid.

But with Covid jab they will know most of the population want a shot. Yes certain groups will get priority but I can't see this government saying no to half the population. I mean people are cross enough especially if countries say you need a jab to travel, so only over 50s can travel? After months and months of nonsense they then tell a large body of the workers "sorry only wealthy retired can holiday this year" yeah right there would be uproar.

Spin on a story, the government know they need 60+million jabs. They just might not all come at once that's all.

I'm pissed off with this, if it's true. I'm 46 and many people in my age group, particularly women, have been struck with 'Long Covid', meaning months (so far) of ill health and possible long-term health implications. I'd like to get vaccinated, when possible. I realise I won't be in anybody's priority group, which is fair enough, but to block those in middle who want to get the vaccine is really shit IMO. The govt's response has been a rolling case of throwing one group after another under the bus. First it was people in care homes and those on the front line (inc. transport workers), then it was teachers, and next it will those in middle age who are under 50. I sincerely hope it will be available privately, because I'm prepared to pay to protect my health.

@Sb2012 thanks for that link.

The prioritisation seems sensible to me tbh

@frozendaisy I don't think that's true about the flu vaccination. There always seems to be a shortage and lots of people who do want it miss out

@Limona

It makes perfect sense to me - I’m not sure what people are annoyed about, to be honest.

Well it’s the kind of people who’ve been saying shut away the old and vulnerable and let me get on with my life. Now it’s vaccinate meeee, I’m more important, more useful than those annoying old people. Look at some of the comments. Filling up garden centre cafes ffs? So dismissive, so deeply unpleasant. It’s disturbing actually.

Interesting for the economy then as under 50’s likely to continue working from home then. But the over 50’s can go and buy coffees and travel to work? Retired people can go out to lunch but not families

Yes, it is a bit like now - I stay home and WFH, DC go to school. We avoid public places and other people as much as possible. If there is a case in DC year, they have to stay home for 2 weeks, not even allowed out for exercise. But the retired neighbours can go where they want and do what they want without restrictions.

Anyway, I will not go inside a shop or pub/restaurant etc or spend a single non-essential pound until I have my vaccine - so the government might like to consider whether my contribution to the economy matters. I guess I would buy one privately if it was under £100, but that would be my contribution to the economy for the foreseeable.

It makes sense that vulnerable people and people over a certain age would take priority.

Apart from anything else I honestly cannot see the point of vaccinating a child for an illness that most probably will be symptomless.

@Racoonworld

Why is everyone shocked at this? Of course they will vaccinate the most vulnerable first. The rest of the adult population will be vaccinated but only when there is enough vaccine which may not be next year. It’s likely children won’t be vaccinated at all.

I guess I'm only shocked by it, because in every conversation I've had with medically vulnerable ds's Drs, they have talked with hope about the vaccine.

If your child is medically vulnerable that’s obviously different and he will probably be included in the priority lists, but that obviously is not the case for the majority of children.

Bit harsh for those close to 50 and obese/diabetic.

@Disconnect

Bit harsh for those close to 50 and obese/diabetic.

Well, not really, because if they change it to 47s and over the 46 year olds complain it is a bit harsh, and so on and so forth. It seems straightforward enough to me: vaccinate those who are most at risk.

As previous posters have said, the risk starts to increase at 45 not 50, so that might be a better threshold though.

What about those who are extremely clinically vulnerable and under 50? (formerly shielding)

@Redolent this link seems to explain things

news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-vaccine-head-less-than-half-of-the-uk-population-could-get-vaccinated-12090472

@Disconnect

Bit harsh for those close to 50 and obese/diabetic.

They'd be vaccinated in the priority 7 band surely?

@Redolent

What about those who are extremely clinically vulnerable and under 50? (formerly shielding)

Priority band 6 I think 🤔

The priority bands are available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-25-september-2020

Idk what this means really longer term. Does this mean once we hit 50 we will given appointments to be vaccinated? Or does this mean vaccination will need to happen annually?

How would immunity passports work?

I’m hoping and praying they don’t go down this bullshit route. Not every one wants it! I should not have to be forced to take an injection to leave the country.

Incorrect story. Everyone will be offered the vaccination. The start of the vaccination programme will begin with those over a certain ages as well as high/moderate risk individuals. Even those in certain professions may get it first. It may take longer for others to get it, but they will get it. In addition, children will not be exempt, they are trialling the Oxford vaccine in children as we speak. The type of vaccine being developed by Oxford also makes it safer to use in children. I'm hopeful for the Oxford vaccine being the one that comes through.

Everyone in my house is under 40 and low risk so I had expected we would be near the back of the queue tbh.

Having looked at those bands, I’m surprised HCP’s are band 2. I would have thong they would get first priority.