BRITAIN will start rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on December 8 after becoming the first country in the world to approve the jab. Britain has already ordered 40million doses, meaning it can vaccinate 20million people giving them two shots each. How to get the Pfizer Covid vaccine and who will get it first? The Pfizer […]
BRITAIN will start rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on December 8 after becoming the first country in the world to approve the jab.
Britain has already ordered 40million doses, meaning it can vaccinate 20million people giving them two shots each.
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The Pfizer vaccine is known as an mRNA that uses a tiny fragment of genetic code from the virus and teaches the body how to fight Covid-19 and build immunity.
The government updated its guidelines towards the end of November this year on who will be prioritised in getting the jab.
The priority list was drawn up by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and will be handed out in order of priority based on clinical need.
Care home residents, workers and NHS workers will be first in the queue.
The jab will then be rolled out by age, and also to those deemed clinically extremely vulnerable.
On December 2, Health Secretary Matt Hancock wrote on Twitter: ”The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week.”
NHS bosses are now advertising for “Vaccination Programme Vaccinator” with pay starting from £11.20 per hour.
It is given as two injections, 21 days apart, with the second dose being a booster.
The vaccine must be stored at around -70C and will be transported in special boxes, packed in dry ice.
Once delivered, it can be kept for up to five days in a fridge.
Soldiers have been ordered to transform 10 sites, including London’s Nightingale hospital at the Excel Centre and Epsom race course, into vaccination hubs.
There will also be a mass vaccination site in every big city with 1,000 smaller venues across England including GP surgeries, pharmacies and health clinics, it has been reported.
The Pfizer vaccine offers up to 95 per cent protection against the Covid-19 virus.
British regulator, the MHRA, says it is safe to roll out.
The first doses should arrive in the UK in the coming days.
Brits have been warned though they still need to observe the coronavirus restrictions and to remain vigilant about the spread of the virus.
The rules still state social distancing must be observed, masks worn and people need to isolate if they test positive.
