Preparations that most vaccines are based on include

A booster jab that will help tackle the South African variant of coronavirus should be ready by the autumn, scientists said yesterday. The promise of an improved formulation will be necessary because the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has a 'minimal' effect against the variant in reducing the number of cases, according to preliminary research. Government sources said last night that there was 'no indication' the easing of lockdown would be affected by the findings that the Oxford vaccine is less effective against the South African variant. Yesterday South Africa said it was suspending use of the AstraZeneca vaccine while scientists advise on the best way to proceed. Professor Sarah Gilbert, lead researcher in the Oxford team, said current vaccines 'have a reduction in efficacy against some of the variant viruses'. Professor Sarah Gilbert, lead researcher in the Oxford team, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that her team currently has 'a version with the South African spike sequence in the … [Read more...] about Booster jab by autumn: Second vaccine dose that will help tackle the South African variant of Covid-19 could be available later this year as experts work to tweak the Oxford vaccine after research showed it has ‘minimal’ effect on the mutant strain

The vaccine roll-out has been one of the biggest logistical challenges of our lifetime, involving a legion of NHS staff and volunteers (including, it was revealed yesterday, the actor Hugh Bonneville). Here, a pharmacist who's helping in a hub in London reveals in fascinating detail what it's like on the vaccination front line (speaking anonymously for patient confidentiality) — while one of the Covid vaccine trial volunteers tells his uplifting story. One of the first patients of the day is a frail woman in her 80s — all I can see of her face are her bright, clear eyes. I go through all the formalities ('Are you unwell with a fever? Have you ever had a serious allergic reaction? Are you waiting for a Covid test result or had the virus in the last 28 days?'), and she answers, her voice muffled by the crumpled blue face mask. As I inject the Pfizer vaccine into her arm, her eyes well with tears. But these aren't tears of pain from the needle, she reassures me, but of joy at … [Read more...] about Pharmacist tells of the trials and triumphs on the vaccine front line: Twice as many people turning up as had booked. Those who wanted the ‘other’ jab. Coaxing needlephobics. And sheer joy galore

Britain has dished out 10 per cent of the entire world's coronavirus vaccines, figures show — but critics have warned against complacency as data suggests the national rollout has 'hit a wall'. Despite its small population on the global stage, the UK has administered a whopping 13.5million out of 146million doses given out internationally. According to the statistics compiled by the Oxford University-based research platform Our World in Data, this puts Britain in third place behind only the US and China , which have far larger populations. The figures also show more doses have been dished out here than in France, Germany, Italy and Spain combined. European commission president Ursula von der Leyen today issued a grovelling apology for the EU's jab shambles, admitting the bloc acted 'late' and was 'over-confident'. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair today said the speed with which Covid jabs were developed and rolled out was an 'inspiration' but added that it was 'unfair' … [Read more...] about Britain has dished out 10% of all Covid vaccines in the world with 13million people now jabbed but critics say UK’s lockdown-ending drive still needs to speed up because it has ‘hit a wall’ – as Tony Blair claims global race to buy up doses is ‘unfair’

Motorists roll up to have Covid jabs through their car windows yesterday – as Boris Johnson appealed to the remaining two million most vulnerable Britons to get vaccinated. Drive-through centres have been set up to help the UK meet its target of inoculating 15 million people by Monday. But while 13 million in the most vulnerable categories have had the jab, the Prime Minister warned there was still a group numbering roughly twice the population of Birmingham who had yet to receive one. He said: 'With less than a week to go until the target date of Monday the 15th, there's no doubt we've made great strides – with just over 13 million people now vaccinated in our United Kingdom, including one in four adults in England, over 90 per cent of everyone over 75 and over 90 per cent of eligible residents of care homes for the elderly.' Speaking directly to the two million vulnerable Britons yet to be vaccinated, he said: 'Now is the moment to do it.' He added: 'I think the people … [Read more...] about Motorists flock to drive-through centres to get the Covid-19 vaccine as Boris Johnson urges TWO MILLION vulnerable Britons who are yet to receive jab to step up for the shot

Furious Tory MPs fumed today that the UK's hugely successful Covid vaccine roll-out will be pointless if it doesn't unlock Britain from brutal lockdown curbs soon – as prominent SAGE scientists called for longer restrictions to drive cases down further. No10's top scientific advisers warned infections must plummet to fewer 10,000 cases before Boris Johnson should start easing the measures, or they claim the country risks allowing new mutant variants to spawn. Tory MP Marcus Fysh told MailOnline SAGE's demands were 'highly unrealistic' and warned ministers must stick to the hospitalisation and deaths criteria to dictate their lockdown-easing plans 'in order to preserve the confidence that people have in the process'. He added: 'There are people that are hanging on for dear life in economic terms at the moment, who need us to get back to normal. The whole point of vaccinating is so normal life can operate. If we don't get back to that soon there has not been any point in the … [Read more...] about Furious Tory MPs say Covid vaccine roll-out is pointless unless UK goes back to normal life soon after SAGE doomsters push back on easing lockdown within weeks and warn we could be wearing masks FOREVER