Vaccine: Zahawi says UK can rollout 'four million doses a week'
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.
Covid vaccines are the best and most effective way to protect against the coronavirus, and millions of people have already received their jab. Those in priority group six are now eligible to book their Covid vaccine, which includes those with underlying medical conditions.
More than 24.2 million people have been vaccinated against coronavirus in the UK, according to the latest Government figures.
A further 1.6 million have received their second dose of the vaccine, which boosts its effectiveness to more than 90 percent.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) decided back in December how the vaccine would be distributed, which prioritised the elderly and clinically vulnerable.
After months of vaccinating the public aged 65 and over, the Government has now revealed that priority group six can apply for the Covid jab.
Group six is the first priority group that isn’t based entirely on age.
It includes all individuals aged 16 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions.
These conditions could increase the risk of dying if you become infected with coronavirus, as well as developing serious symptoms.
It’s believed that around seven million people in the UK make up priority group six, and more than half of them have already received their vaccination.
DON’T MISS
Germany will stop administering the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine [LATEST]
AstraZeneca vaccine: Can I refuse to have the Oxford jab? [EXPLAINER]
Four EU states break rank to sign up to Russia jab [NEWS]
What underlying medical conditions are included in priority group six?
- Chronic respiratory disease – including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma
- Chronic heart disease (and vascular disease)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease – including epilepsy
- Down’s syndrome
- Severe and profound learning disability
- Diabetes
- Solid organ, bone marrow and stem cell transplant recipients
- People with specific cancers
- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- Asplenia and splenic dysfunction
- Morbid obesity
- Severe mental illness
A number of national charities, including Diabetes UK, Mencap, and Lupus UK, have urged those with underlying medical conditions to have the vaccine.
Most people in priority group six should already have been contacted about booking their vaccination.
But, if you think you fall into the category and haven’t yet been contacted, you can still book an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy.
Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, thanked the charity for their support in the campaign.
“We have already given a first dose of the vaccine to more than half of those in cohort six,” he said.
“I am grateful to the charities who are encouraging more people in that group to come forward.
“The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and offers the chance to protect yourself and others – that’s why it’s vital that people get their jab.
“I would like to thank them all for backing this life-saving campaign and offering their expertise and assistance to support the largest medical deployment in British history.”
Source: Read Full Article