Britain has now vaccinated almost 18 million people – 1 in 3 adults. More than 250,000 vaccines have been administered across Surrey Heartlands and we are now moving to the next two priority groups: people aged over 65 and people aged 16-64 who have underlying conditions. Anyone in higher priority groups (groups 1-4) who has yet to take up the offer of a vaccine can still do so by contacting 119, their GP practice or visiting nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.
Around 10,000 Surrey residents were added to the shielding list last week. This means they are considered at higher risk of serious illness if they were to get coronavirus and will therefore get priority access to the vaccine. They will receive a letter from the NHS or their GP asking them to follow shielding advice, which has now been extended to 31 March.
New research conducted in Scotland has shown that one dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine cuts hospital admission by as much as 94%. And a study by the Sheba Medical Centre in Israel concluded that the Pfizer vaccine is up to 85% effective after one dose. Data from the study also shows all infections, including asymptomatic, were reduced by 75% 15 to 28 days after the first dose. Earlier this week, a separate study by Israel’s biggest healthcare provider, Clalit, found a 94% drop in symptomatic infections and a 92% cut in severe illness after two doses.
At a virtual meeting of the G7 last week, the Prime Minister announced that Britain will share the majority of any future surplus Covid vaccines to developing countries. Throughout the pandemic, Britain has been a long-standing champion of ensuring access to vaccines around the globe. We are the biggest donor of CoVax, the global vaccine alliance, committing £548 million in British aid to help distribute 1.3 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.
If you have any questions or concerns about the roll-out, there is a dedicated vaccination email and phone service you can contact: [email protected] / 0300 561 2500 – lines are open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday only. As ever, if you need my help, please email me at [email protected].
