The controversial ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair has called on the government to change tac on its vaccination plan and give as many people as possible an initial dose of a Covid vaccine. This is instead of the current plan, which is to vaccinate people twice, which is expected to provide more protection.
The Pfizer-Biontech and Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccines require two doses for maximum efficacy. Mr Blair has provided the single dose idea to speed up the vaccine programme so that the country could come out of lockdown sooner.
Currently, the UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 100 million of the Oxford University Astrazeneca vaccines.
Mr Blair has told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that although “you really need the two doses… the first dose gives you substantial immunity”. However, in a statement a spokesperson for Pfizer has said that two doses were needed “to provide the maximum protection” and added “Health professionals are advised to continue to follow the official guidance on administration of the vaccine”.
Blair’s proposals have been backed by Professor David Salisbury who has said the numbers were “straightforward”. He said: “You give one dose you get 91% [protection] you give two doses, and you get 95% – you are only gaining 4% for giving the second dose. With current circumstances, I would strongly urge you to use as many first doses as you possibly can for risk groups and only after you have done all of that come back with second doses”.
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Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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