It is very exciting news that an effective Coronavirus vaccine, called Pfizer and BioNtech, has been developed. The UK expects to receive astaggering800,000dosesnext week and the firstjabswill be given straightway. The NHS isgearing upfor the biggest vaccination programme in its history and priority will be given to over 80s as well as NHS andcare homestaff. However it’s not allplain sailing as it’s a bit of alogisticalnightmare! The vaccine has to be kept at -80 and it can’t be moved around too much. Dry ice is the packaging material of choice and Brussels airport has beenramping uppreparations.

In the podcast “How to vaccinate the world’, they say that it is very encouraging news but there are a fewcaveats, which are: How well does it protect older people? Does it stop people catching it completely or just lesson theseverity? Can people still spread it? How long does protection last?

Only time will tellbut The UK have decided to give the vaccinethe green light, ahead of the EU and the US. This has led to criticism from politicians, health professionals and commentators in these countries. They feel that more time is needed toscrutinisedata andthoroughly regulatethe process. This would also give the public more confidence. I personally feel that it’s fantastic that the vaccine has been developed but it does feel toorushed. I would be a bitscepticalabout having it as vaccines usually take 2-5 years to be approved. I think the UK’s haste could backfire if the public arereluctantto take part. Having said that, if this year has taught me anything it’s that it’s impossible to know whatthe future holdsso.....we’ll see and just hope that we’re closeto seeing the back ofthisbeastlyvirus.