When do you think mass vaccinations will start in the UK?

[Davespecifico]

Anyone in the know have any thoughts? Thanks

The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are a different kettle of fish. They are a completely novel technology, and no one knows whether they work in the real world. All we know at present is that they seem to have reduced symptoms in a few dozen people.

I don’t think your last sentence is accurate. Pfizer say that the vaccine is 90% effective in preventing disease, and that the trial subjects in the vaccine arm that developed symptoms were not severely ill. The data is before the regulator at the moment, so although we haven’t seen it, the MHRA has, and we’ll find out soon enough whether they are satisfied.

I suspect we will see a tortoise and hare scenario, with AZ as the tortoise that turns out to be the winner. I don't have shares in any pharma company but if I did, I'd be buying more AZ! (And, no, I don't work for them or have any affliliation to them)

I suspect you may be largely right there, but I still think the Pfizer one will be authorised first.

Ten days time apparently.

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/27/hospitals-england-told-prepare-early-december-covid-vaccine-rollout-nhs?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Here's an interesting article about the disparity in results in the AZ vaccine depending on the size of the initial dose.

Why Oxford’s positive COVID vaccine results are puzzling scientists

It makes the point that every available vaccine dose, regardless of the vaccine, will get used so market share will be determined by manufacturing capacity and logistics.

December 7th?
mobile.twitter.com/SebastianEPayne/status/1332700804273360897

I wonder whether doing it by age category is the best idea. It would seem to me, that assuming it is safe, it would be more sensible to vaccinate 18 year old ds before he goes to university, rather than home-working 40 and 50 somethings like DH and me!

I wonder whether doing it by age category is the best idea. It would seem to me, that assuming it is safe, it would be more sensible to vaccinate 18 year old ds before he goes to university, rather than home-working 40 and 50 somethings like DH and me!

Yeah, let’s spend an infinite amount of time investigating everyone’s personal circumstances before deciding on vaccination order.

@cologne4711

I wonder whether doing it by age category is the best idea. It would seem to me, that assuming it is safe, it would be more sensible to vaccinate 18 year old ds before he goes to university, rather than home-working 40 and 50 somethings like DH and me!

Well they can’t really do it by ‘where they go on a daily basis’ can they? Many 40 and 50 year olds cant work from home

Planned to start in my nhs trust 14 Dec.

Anecdotal I know, but an NHS geriatric consultant friend said they are genuinely ready to go in our trust as soon as a vaccine is approved for use.

Radio 4 at 5pm were saying the Pfizer vaccine will initially be given to hospital staff. Purely because they need the correct refrigeration . So certain hospitals will start the ball rolling. Thus won't be a suitable vaccine for care homes due to the refrigeration requirements. Then drop in clinics are planned for other sectors.

Yes for want of a better word, there will be hubs. Trust I work in has applied to be one.

Thus won't be a suitable vaccine for care homes due to the refrigeration requirements.

I don't get that. It is ok for a few days in a normal fridge I thought. No need to store it at -70 in a care home.

[quote Rosehip10]Guardian have an exclusive saying NHS with pifzer vaccine from 7/12

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/27/hospitals-england-told-prepare-early-december-covid-vaccine-rollout-nhs[/quote]
This is great. Hope so.

Need the approval first then good to go I suppose

Guardian have an exclusive saying NHS with pifzer vaccine from 7/12

Amazingly this date was in the Bristol Post a few days ago.

The Pfizer vaccine needs to be kept at -70 - 80 degrees. So that’s hospital level refrigeration facilities. Not the facilities available in gp surgeries or care homes. I think I heard on the radio a while ago you can remove it from the -70 for up to 4 times only and for the last 48 hours under standard cold conditions.
Certain hospitals in the Midlands have been picked to start the roll out next week as it’s expected to get the go ahead In the next few days.