Senior doctor warns covid-19 will remain a serious threat if too many shun vaccine

by Q Radio News

A senior doctor has warned that covid-19 will remain a serious threat if too many people shun any new vaccine. 

It comes as the Department of Health refuses to rule out forcing medics into changing roles within hospitals, if they opt out. 

Just over 50% of NHS workers received the swine flu jab when it was rolled out in 2009. 

Regional BMA Chair Dr Tom Black believes attitudes will be different this time because people want their lives back. 

"With every vaccine there is a small risk for a much bigger benefit. 

"What we will find this time is that the healthcare staff and older patients will be first in line for this vaccination. 

"Then the rest of the public will hopefully get the opportunity to avail of this vaccine." 

Dr Black added, "I think there will be significant uptake of the vaccine in the older age groups and those patients with underlying conditions because the risk benefit for those patients is considerable, they will benefit greatly. 

"But it's important the vaccine is voluntary, we shouldn't expect people to take it unless they are happy with it."

Yesterday, the Health Secretary said the NHS will be ready to start vaccinating people against coronavirus next month - if one is approved by regulators. 

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Friday, Matt Hancock revealed the government has now taken the "first step" for authorising a covid-19 vaccine in the UK.

Ministers have formally asked the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to assess the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in the UK.

The jab has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 95% in the companies' phase 3 clinical study.

It comes as Pfizer/BioNTech made an emergency request to US regulators seeking authorisation to begin distributing millions of doses of its BNT162b2 vaccine to high-risk populations.