Franklin, Andrews, Kramer & Edelstein

[scion]

We cannot let the vaccine roll out run out of steam

Indications that the early success is now being squandered are deeply worrying. The Government must be more transparent

TELEGRAPH VIEW
16 June 2021 • 6:00am
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/06/16/cannot-let-vaccine-roll-run-steam/

Speaking in the Commons on Monday night, Matt Hancock acknowledged that some areas were running out of the Pfizer vaccine. “The fact that the fridges ran out of Pfizer demonstrates we’re getting through this as fast as we can,” he said, in response to a question from the Birmingham MP Liam Byrne. “Supply is the rate limiting factor on vaccination.”

Certainly, the UK appears to have little problem with demand, but Mr Hancock’s somewhat optimistic spin on the matter risks bordering on complacency. The country has grown used to having a vaccination programme that has performed substantially better than that of its main competitors, especially the EU. The venture capitalist, Kate Bingham, used her commercial acumen to acquire jabs early and in large enough quantities to give the UK a head start. In the first few months, the NHS managed to deliver considerably more doses per capita than most other similarly-sized countries.

Yet just as the so-called race between the vaccine and the variants intensifies, there are indications that the programme is failing to keep up. We report today that some people have had their appointments cancelled, and there are suspicions that supply shortages could be down to more than just high demand, which should have been anticipated. The advice not to use AstraZeneca for younger age groups if alternative jabs are available, for example, means that greater pressure has been placed on Pfizer and Moderna. Unlike other countries, which have made better use of the private sector to aid distribution, the UK’s vaccination effort remains substantially a public sector affair.

It would be a pity if Ms Bingham’s early successes were to be squandered, particularly if it were to mean further delays in the release of lockdown. The challenge will not end even once adults have received their second jab. The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, said at the No10 press conference this week that children may need to be vaccinated in order that their education can continue without disruption. Booster doses for vulnerable adults are also likely to be required in the autumn and winter.

At the very least, the Government should end the secrecy with which it shrouds information about its vaccine supply. If there is a problem, the public is entitled to know what it is.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/06/16/cannot-let-vaccine-roll-run-steam/