Vaccine

Vaccinating older people, who can shield themselves at home, will be less effective at halting transmission.

You state that, Ellianne, as if it was fact. Given that we don't yet know whether the vaccine reduces transmission or reduces the symptoms and effects of the virus, its not something you can say. Especially if you are not trained in epidemiology.

I think it is definitely cause for celebration and if it is offered to me, I will gratefully accept it.

Unless there is a (very rare) medical reason for refusing the vaccine, everyone should have it.

Alegrias but haven't the results of the operative words "stay home" actually proved that doing exactly that halts transmission? Why are we all sitting at home now for four weeks if that isn't the case?

Elianne not that this should be about personal circumstances, but your husband is already on the priority list because of his age. It’s highly unlikely that there will be delays as our government have bought millions of vaccines of different types, many of which are very promising. I find it very difficult to understand why people don’t value all lives the same and think it’s okay to sacrifice others.

I've been reading an interesting article about the possibility of the vaccine being made compulsory, especially prior to travelling abroad.
Fennel
I think it will be a requirement for travel to New Zealand and Australia and some transit airports require a certificate at the moment stating that a traveller was COVID free before they were allowed on the plane.

I hate to say this and don't wish to sound ungrateful but I'm seriously pondering whether to have this vaccination or not.

I know it can make you feel unwell, at any age really because if it's anything like the ( 2 ) jabs I had to have in 1957 for Asian'flu and at nearly 17 I was quite unwell with a very sore arm too, but at that age you can quickly get over it, but 63 years on when you're creaking a bit how is it going to affect this time ?

So, there are one or two questions I'd like answered beforehand. I'm more than happy with the ordinary 'flu jab that I had back in September that does give a modicum of protection without ill-effects but this is a different animal.

Some people are looking at this situation through their eyes only and not looking at the benefits to the whole of society. It seems obvious to me that although we’d all like to be first to be vaccinated (apart from a few) that actually the medics, the educationalists, the shop assistants, the delivery drivers, the dentists, and many others are keeping society going, at risk to themselves. They should be first to get the vaccine because we all rely on them. I would love to be first, but I recognise that I can make choices about what risks to take but these workers cannot. They are more of a priority. Me first, me first is not an attractive cry.

I find it very difficult to understand why people don’t value all lives the same and think it’s okay to sacrifice others.

It's not a case of sacrificing lives - it is a case of sacrificing the freedom of older, retired people for a couple of months so that younger people can get back to work.

If the second round of vaccines will be available a couple of months later, I'm prepared to wait for that so that businesses can re-open, people can get back to work and supporting their families.

Me first, me first is not an attractive cry.
It certainly is not.

It's not a case ofsacrificinglives - it is a case of sacrificing thefreedomof older, retired people for a couple of months so that younger people can get back to work.
Thank you Callistemon, you put it well.

Callistemon
You have put it exactly right. We oldies can continue to shield or take minimal risks. My adult children (and everyone else’s) cannot make that choice. They have to work. I can shield my elderly mother who is 93, but I can’t shield my darling girl who is 37 and a doctor.

Me first, me first is not an attractive cry. I agree maddyone.

If I get on the list way, way down the line I'd have the vaccine.

As for side effects ? I'll take my chances, I've already had so many vaccinations over the years for travel I'll risk it.

I would also have it tomorrow if I could. I am still working, fortunately with not very many students, but it is always in the back of my mind.

Last Friday, I suddenly realised I was in a very small room with 6 students, maskless because they were eating treats I had made. I'm counting down until tomorrow for the possible onset of symptoms.

I don't go out. I stay in my room as much as possible. I don't even eat the schools free meals in the diner, eating on my own in my room.

I'd love to just be able to get on with my job without worrying.

And this is where those of us who are able to explain our personal circumstances does in fact help to illustrate a point. Maddy's doctor daughter, someone else's delivery driver son, my secondary school teacher DiL or my engineer son. My friend's shop assistant daughter, another relative in the marines, the list goes on.

Yes, you should be at the top of the list GagaJo. Hope you stay well.

Alegrias2

^Vaccinating older people, who can shield themselves at home, will be less effective at halting transmission.^

You state that, Ellianne, as if it was fact. Given that we don't yet know whether the vaccine reduces transmission or reduces the symptoms and effects of the virus, its not something you can say. Especially if you are not trained in epidemiology.

Exactly! We don't even know yet how long any immunity will last because it's far too early to say.

After people have been vaccinated, they will still need to stay safe. The scientific and statistics bods will then monitor the people who have been vaccinated to see whether they develop symptoms.

It will be many months before anybody knows if the immunity is long-term or permanent.

I would imagine that's the rationale behind giving it to the most vulnerable - at least it should help with saving lives. If younger, more socially active people were vaccinated, they might think that it's safe to go back to life as normal.

GagaJo

I would also have it tomorrow if I could. I am still working, fortunately with not very many students, but it is always in the back of my mind.

Last Friday, I suddenly realised I was in a very small room with 6 students, maskless because they were eating treats I had made. I'm counting down until tomorrow for the possible onset of symptoms.

I don't go out. I stay in my room as much as possible. I don't even eat the schools free meals in the diner, eating on my own in my room.

I'd love to just be able to get on with my job without worrying.

But even if you were vaccinated, you wouldn't be able to get on with your job without worrying. It's only six weeks since Pfizer released its data, which is nowhere near long enough to know if the vaccine is effective long-term. It would appear to be safe, but there's still a long way to go.

Still got to be better than nothing though. I don't mind wearing a mask, perpetually have the windows open in my classes and avoid crowds. A vaccine would be a top up.

You should be one of the first to get the vaccine in my opinion Gaga along with all educationalists. But I’m not in charge, if I were, that’s what I’d do.

GagaJo

Still got to be better than nothing though. I don't mind wearing a mask, perpetually have the windows open in my classes and avoid crowds. A vaccine would be a top up.

I agree. It would make you saf*er*, but not completely safe. It will be ages before it offers the kind of security which a measles vaccination (for example) offers.

Does anybody know if the 40 million doses the UK has apparently bought is for 40 million people or two doses for each of 20 million people?

I agree Gaga it’s better than the nothing we’ve got now. And the findings at this point look very good.

growstuff the way the media are talking, it will be the two required doses for twenty million people. That makes sense to me, it’s pointless to do half the job. Unless the forty million doses actually means enough for forty million people, and therefore eighty million doses. Now you’ve got me thinking.

Two doses for 20 million.