By Hospitals told to prepare for Covid vaccine this month
Hospitals are preparing for the possibility of a mass Covid vaccination programme for the most vulnerable before Christmas, according to Press reports.
In a meeting with senior managers and executives, head of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Jon Findlay is believed to have said that a vaccine could be made available before the month ends, The Sun newspaper is reporting today (Monday).
It is thought that those in high-risk groups including pensioners over the age of 80, care home residents and frontline healthcare workers, would be treated as a priority.
Sources told The Sun care home residents would be the first to receive the jab as they account for around 40 per cent of coronavirus related deaths recorded in the UK.
The vaccine would reportedly be administered in two separate doses, three to four weeks apart, with St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital expected to be at the centre of the moves.
Staff known as “vaccine task forces” would be hired to deliver the programme, possibly at GP surgeries, pharmacies and mass testing centres – including at the Nightingale hospitals.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to unveil details of the Government’s plans this week.
Photo: CDC
