There may be anticipated to be a major discount in weekly provide of the Covid-19 vaccines from the tip of March.
And well being leaders have mentioned volumes for first doses shall be considerably lowered.
However what does this imply for the vaccination programme?
Right here among the key questions are answered:
What’s behind the delay?
A supply of 5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India has been held up by 4 weeks.
That is partly behind among the discount within the UK’s provide.
However indications from the Authorities are that the delay will not be down to at least one nation, and that numerous world producers are experiencing points.
– What does this imply for the vaccine rollout?
Well being leaders in England have mentioned that from March 29 volumes for first doses shall be considerably constrained.
The shortfall is predicted to final 4 weeks.
Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal Faculty of GPs mentioned the main focus in April shall be on giving second doses to individuals who have been vaccinated earlier within the yr.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has mentioned there needs to be between 4 and 12 weeks between doses.
However what concerning the vaccination targets?
The Division of Well being and Social Care says the Authorities remains to be on observe to supply a primary dose to all adults by the tip of July.
Well being Secretary Matt Hancock has mentioned the April 15 goal for vaccinating over-50s can even nonetheless be met.
So who does the delay have an effect on?
Folks of their 40s are prone to have to attend till Could to get their Covid-19 vaccine.
It had beforehand been hoped that vaccination of this group would begin in April, in any case of these over-50 had acquired their first jab.
– What concerning the Moderna vaccine?
The jab from US biotech agency Moderna will not be anticipated to reach till the spring, though a particular date has not but been given.
After the vaccine was authorized by regulators in January, the Authorities bought an extra 10 million doses of the vaccine on high of its earlier order of seven million.
