Covid Pfizer vaccine approved for use next week in UK

[ataullah]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55145696

The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use.

British regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll out next week.

Immunisations could start within days for people in high priority groups.

The UK has already ordered 40m doses - enough to vaccinate 20m people, with two shots each.

Around 10m doses should be available soon, with the first doses arriving in the UK in the coming days.

It is the fastest ever vaccine to go from concept to reality, taking only 10 months to follow the same developmental steps that normally span a decade.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted saying: ''Help is on its way. The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week.''

Although vaccination can start, people still need to remain vigilant and follow coronavirus rules to stop the spread, say experts.

That means sticking with the social distancing and face masks, and testing people who may have the virus and asking them to isolate.

What is the vaccine?

It is a new type called an mRNA vaccine that uses a tiny fragment of genetic code from the pandemic virus to teach the body how to fight Covid-19 and build immunity.

An mRNA vaccine has never been approved for use in humans before, although people have received them in clinical trials.

The vaccine must be stored at around -70C and will be transported in special boxes, packed in dry ice. Once delivered, it can be kept for up to five days in a fridge.

Who will get it and when?

Experts have drawn up a provisional priority list, targeting people at highest risk. Top are care home residents and staff, followed by people over 80 and other health and social care workers.

They will receive the first stocks of the vaccine - some as soon as next week. Mass immunisation of everyone over 50, as well as younger people with pre-existing health conditions, can happen as more stocks become available in 2021. It is given as two injections, 21 days apart, with the second dose being a booster.

What about other Covid vaccines?

There are some other promising vaccines that could also be approved soon.

One from Moderna uses the same mRNA approach as the Pfizer vaccine and offers similar protection. The UK has pre-ordered 7m doses that could be ready by the spring.

The UK has ordered 100m doses of a different type of Covid vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca. That vaccine uses a harmless virus, altered to look a lot more like the virus that causes Covid-19.

Russia has been using another vaccine, called Sputnik, and the Chinese military has approved another one made by CanSino Biologics. Both work in a similar way to the Oxford vaccine.

 

[Robert]

This is encouraging. Now we can start beating this disease back and return to normal life.

 

[Firebat]

This is a really promising first step in the fight to wrestle back control of this virus.

 

[MenInG]

Germany 'decided against' emergency vaccine approval in order to pursue 'common European approach'

Germany's health minister has suggested his country opted for a longer procedure to approve a COVID-19 vaccine in order to pursue a "common European approach".

"We have member states including, Germany, who could have issued such an emergency authorisation if we'd wanted to," Jens Spahn told a news conference on Wednesday.

"But we decided against this and what we opted for was a common European approach to move forward together.

"It's very important we do this to help promote trust and confidence in this authorisation."

Mr Spahn also had a message for his "British friends" on Brexit, which Health Secretary Matt Hancock has claimed allowed the UK to speed up its approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

He said: "But a few remarks on Brexit to my British friends: Biontech is a European development, from the EU.

"The fact that this EU product is so good that Britain approved it so quickly shows that in this crisis European and international cooperation are best."

 

[MenInG]

PM could get COVID vaccine on live TV, his press secretary suggests

Boris Johnson's press secretary has suggested the prime minister could be prepared to be vaccinated against coronavirus live on TV - but only if it did not prevent someone more in need of a jab from receiving one.

Allegra Stratton told reporters: "We all know the character of the prime minister, I don't think it would be something that he would rule out.

"But what we also know is that he wouldn't want to take a jab that should be for somebody who is extremely vulnerable, clinically vulnerable, and who should be getting it before him."

 

[JaDed]

I don’t see the point if people that have got covid to get the vaccine first, the PM getting it makes little sense in that regard, should be saved for NHS staff.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

I don’t see the point if people that have got covid to get the vaccine first, the PM getting it makes little sense in that regard, should be saved for NHS staff.

It makes sense because it’s a tactic to fight back against the anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorists.

Ironically something similar happened years ago when Britain was in the middle of the BSE/mad cow disease crisis - in order to prove British beef was safe the minister of agriculture ate a beef burger in front of the media and tried (unsuccessfully) to feed his 4 year old daughter one too lol.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/16/newsid_2913000/2913807.stm

 

[JaDed]

It makes sense because it’s a tactic to fight back against the anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorists.

Ironically something similar happened years ago when Britain was in the middle of the BSE/mad cow disease crisis - in order to prove British beef was safe the minister of agriculture ate a beef burger in front of the media and tried (unsuccessfully) to feed his 4 year old daughter one too lol.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/16/newsid_2913000/2913807.stm

Lol i get that stupid as it is, wonder if they are going to force the vaccine.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Lol i get that stupid as it is, wonder if they are going to force the vaccine.

They won’t force it directly but indirectly life will be difficult if you refuse the vaccine. For example, airlines will demand you are vaccinated before you can travel (the nation you
wish to travel to may demand it to as a condition of your visa too), universities etc will demand you have it before you’re give a place to study there, your kids will have to have it before they can go to school or nursery. You’ll need it before you have any hospital treatment etc.

Also, the government have already enlisted the help of the British Army information warfare unit to fight anti vaxxers online.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/army-spies-to-take-on-antivax-militants-mfzsj66w2

They are also going to pay celebrities to push the vaccine on social media.

https://www.theguardian.com/society...sible-celebrities-coronavirus-vaccine-take-up

Dr Fauci the NIAID head says we (well America but I assume it’s the same everywhere) need 75% to 85% of the population to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity - I reckon Britain will achieve that.

 

[MenInG]

It will take "some months" for the UK's most vulnerable people to be vaccinated against coronavirus, the prime minister has said.

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Boris Johnson acknowledged there will be "immense logistical challenges" in distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which has approved for use in the UK.

 

[JaDed]

They won’t force it directly but indirectly life will be difficult if you refuse the vaccine. For example, airlines will demand you are vaccinated before you can travel (the nation you
wish to travel to may demand it to as a condition of your visa too), universities etc will demand you have it before you’re give a place to study there, your kids will have to have it before they can go to school or nursery. You’ll need it before you have any hospital treatment etc.

Also, the government have already enlisted the help of the British Army information warfare unit to fight anti vaxxers online.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/army-spies-to-take-on-antivax-militants-mfzsj66w2

They are also going to pay celebrities to push the vaccine on social media.

https://www.theguardian.com/society...sible-celebrities-coronavirus-vaccine-take-up

Dr Fauci the NIAID head says we (well America but I assume it’s the same everywhere) need 75% to 85% of the population to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity - I reckon Britain will achieve that.

Yeah unfortunately I’ll have to take it , Americans though will not ,most of them don’t even leave their state and there is a huge chunk of unvaccinated citizens, highly unlike 70% of them will take it, I have heard atleast 3 Texans saying it better be tranquilizer guns that vaccinates them, these are educated ones above that.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] would you be happy to take this tommorow despite the statement from the European Medicines Agency

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

[MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] would you be happy to take this tommorow despite the statement from the European Medicines Agency

Why, what have they said? I can't imagine the UK passing any vaccine unless they are pretty sure there won't be any comebacks. Imagine the lawsuits if the side effects proved worse than the disease.

 

[MenInG]

It will take "some months" for the UK's most vulnerable people to be vaccinated against coronavirus, the prime minister has said.

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Boris Johnson acknowledged there will be "immense logistical challenges" in distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which has approved for use in the UK.

"It will inevitably take some months before all the most vulnerable are protected - long, cold months," he said.

"So it's all the more vital that as we celebrate this scientific achievement we are not carried away with over-optimism or fall into the naive belief that the struggle is over."

The PM was speaking after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The jab, which has been given the green light by independent health regulator MHRA, will be rolled out across the UK from early next week.

Elderly people in care homes and their carers are top of the list to get the vaccine, which studies have shown is 95% effective and works in all age groups.

The government has secured 40 million doses of the COVID-19 jab, which needs to be refrigerated at -70C (-94F).

Ten million are expected to be delivered to the UK by the end of the year, with patients needing two each.

Mr Johnson's call for patience was echoed by the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who appeared alongside the PM.

"Rollout won't be instant," he warned, as he called on people to stick to the current restrictions and general guidance over the coming months.

And he said the vaccine was a "complex product with a very fragile cold chain".

"It's not a yoghurt that can be taken out of the fridge and put back in multiple times," he said.

"It's really tricky to handle."

Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said the majority of vaccinations will take place in "January through to March or April for the at-risk population".

The rollout of the vaccine will start at 50 "hospital hubs" in England next week, Sir Simon told the news conference.

Again stressing this would be "logistically complicated", he said: "We have to move it around the country in a carefully controlled way initially at minus 70 degrees centigrade, or thereabouts, and there are a limited number of further movements that we are allowed by the regulator to make.

"It also comes in packs of 975 people's doses so you can't at this point just distribute it to every individual GP surgery or pharmacy as we normally would for many of the other vaccines available on the NHS."

Pharmacies could be able to start giving people jabs in January, Sir Simon said.

"If the MHRA, the independent regulator, as we expect they will, give approval for a safe way of splitting these packs of 975 doses then the good news is we will be able to start distributing those to care homes," he said.

"And then as even more vaccine becomes available finally we will be able to switch on large vaccination centres across the country and indeed invite local community pharmacists probably at the beginning of January to begin to offer vaccination as well."

The government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's (JCVI) priority list for the first phase of the vaccine rollout is as follows:

1 - Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
2 - All those aged 80 and over. Frontline health and social care workers
3 - All those aged 75 and over
4 - All those aged 70 and over. Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
5 - All those aged 65 and over
6 - All individuals aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
7 - All those aged 60 and over
8 - All those aged 55 and over
9 - All those aged 50 and over

Professor Van-Tam also appealed to people on the fence about vaccines, saying: "We need people to take it - this vaccine isn't going to help you if you don't take it."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is unsure how many people would need to be immunised before restrictions can be lifted.

He told the Commons earlier that while it is known that the vaccine protects an individual against the virus, it is not yet clear whether it has an impact on reducing transmission.

Meanwhile, the PM's press secretary has suggested Mr Johnson could have a jab live on TV - but only if it did not prevent someone more in need from getting one.

Analysis: PM reveals his metric for success after vaccine breakthrough
By Tom Rayner, political correspondent

After countless Downing Street press conferences where so much about the future was in doubt, Boris Johnson set out to deliver a message underpinned by certainty.

This evening there was no need for graphs, terrifying projections or colour-coded maps.

He said he was now "certain" the arrival of a clinically approved vaccine meant there was a way out of the pandemic, but he was equally sure "the struggle isn't over" and that the "plan does depend on all of us continuing to make sacrifices".

But despite attempts by Mr Johnson to capture the moment with martial arts metaphors, it was the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam who seemed to capture those dual certainties with greater impact and eloquence.

He said he was "quite emotional" about the news this morning and reassured the public they were right to feel that way too.

"Everyone needs to be delighted with the news today" he said "but equally patient and realistic".

And the reason for the need for the certain need for patience was laid out over the course of the press conference.

The key example was the acknowledgment that despite care home staff and residents being considered the most vulnerable category, the Pfizer vaccine will not be easy to get to them.

Cases of the vaccine contain 975 doses, and those consignments cannot be separated down into smaller units..

Those cases would be too large for most individual homes, so it will require the medical regulator to change its permissions for this particular vaccine or the approval of the less logistically demanding Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, for doses to be quickly rolled out.

Even if this particular challenge were to be overcome, head of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens made the point that even the most vulnerable are unlikely to get the required second dose until the New Year, so the need for social distancing and other restrictions will still be required for some time to come.

Indeed, Jonathan Van Tam suggested he did not believe COVID-19 would ever be entirely eradicated and was likely to become seasonal like flu.

"Do I think we be able to throw a big party like the end of the war? No I don't", he said, adding that he thinks some of the habits of handwashing and keeping some distance could be enduring.

That seemed to alarm the prime minister, who perhaps saw it as undermining the message of certainty that normality would return.

It was a revealing moment, because it seemed to gives a sense of Mr Johnson's personal metric for success.

So much so the deputy chief medical officer felt the need to clarify he was talking about habits, rather than an enduring need for government restrictions.

"Well, who knows, who knows" said the PM, uncertainly.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19...l-challenges-in-distributing-vaccine-12149178

 

[The Viper]

The Pfizer/BioNTech #COVID19 vaccine approved for use in the UK is manufactured in Belgium and needs to be stored at -70C (-94F) to avoid spoiling before it is administered

 

[The Viper]

<a href="https://ibb.co/2tHW3v3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/FwCm454/b9f87ec1-40b5-4667-ab5a-a6347d1fd434.jpg" alt="b9f87ec1-40b5-4667-ab5a-a6347d1fd434" border="0"></a>

 

[shaz619]

Why, what have they said? I can't imagine the UK passing any vaccine unless they are pretty sure there won't be any comebacks. Imagine the lawsuits if the side effects proved worse than the disease.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...uk-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-idUKKBN28C12X

They will take more time to properly review the effectiveness of the vaccine, UK regulalor bypassed standard process to obtain approval.

 

[James]

Those 9 priority groups don't cover anyone under 50 and/or anyone who does not have a serious underlying health condition. Looks to me like many of us will not get offered a vaccine for a long time then. Which imo begs the question of whether this virus was really so dangerous for the majority of people in the first place.

 

[Robert]

Those 9 priority groups don't cover anyone under 50 and/or anyone who does not have a serious underlying health condition. Looks to me like many of us will not get offered a vaccine for a long time then. Which imo begs the question of whether this virus was really so dangerous for the majority of people in the first place.

It’s a question of helping those at most risk first. Rolling the vaccine out for 65 million people is a big undertaking. It will take many months, I think.

 

[Robert]

[MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] would you be happy to take this tommorow despite the statement from the European Medicines Agency

I distrust this incompetent and amoral government and so the EMA statement does give me slight concern.

On the other hand the EU operates under the Precautionary Principle which needlessly (in my opinion) bans GM food so I am more inclined to follow the scientists.

In any event I won’t get the jab for months as I am not elderly or at-risk.

 

[miandadrules]

Germany 'decided against' emergency vaccine approval in order to pursue 'common European approach'

Germany's health minister has suggested his country opted for a longer procedure to approve a COVID-19 vaccine in order to pursue a "common European approach".

"We have member states including, Germany, who could have issued such an emergency authorisation if we'd wanted to," Jens Spahn told a news conference on Wednesday.

"But we decided against this and what we opted for was a common European approach to move forward together.

"It's very important we do this to help promote trust and confidence in this authorisation."

Mr Spahn also had a message for his "British friends" on Brexit, which Health Secretary Matt Hancock has claimed allowed the UK to speed up its approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

He said: "But a few remarks on Brexit to my British friends: Biontech is a European development, from the EU.

"The fact that this EU product is so good that Britain approved it so quickly shows that in this crisis European and international cooperation are best."

Smart move.

 

[miandadrules]

Why, what have they said? I can't imagine the UK passing any vaccine unless they are pretty sure there won't be any comebacks. Imagine the lawsuits if the side effects proved worse than the disease.

The UK approach has been heavily influenced by politicians. More so than other states, barring USA.

 

[miandadrules]

Those 9 priority groups don't cover anyone under 50 and/or anyone who does not have a serious underlying health condition. Looks to me like many of us will not get offered a vaccine for a long time then. Which imo begs the question of whether this virus was really so dangerous for the majority of people in the first place.

I don’t think you fully grasp why the lockdowns happen.

 

[Suleiman]

Hats off to the medical teams around the globe who have helped in the pandemic and also worked on this vaccine. A vaccine in this short of a time span is a historic achievement, amazing work.

 

[Kroll]

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...uk-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-idUKKBN28C12X

They will take more time to properly review the effectiveness of the vaccine, UK regulalor bypassed standard process to obtain approval.

They'll just say that Brexit actually helped them approve it faster because the EU process is slower and they could bypass it with an emergency procedure of their own.

 

[moghul]

UK's MRHA is quite a reputable and independent board, just like FDA and I'm sure their approval of this vaccine means its safe and effective.

I will be getting this vaccine later this month here in USA and I have no reservation about it, can't wait.

 

[UP]

And people made fun of Trump when he repeatedly said we will have a vaccine by the end of the year.

 

[Giannis]

Yeah unfortunately I’ll have to take it , Americans though will not ,most of them don’t even leave their state and there is a huge chunk of unvaccinated citizens, highly unlike 70% of them will take it, I have heard atleast 3 Texans saying it better be tranquilizer guns that vaccinates them, these are educated ones above that.

Actually it's gonna be enforced through corporations. If anyone works for a major corporation then they're gonna require the vaccine such as Amazon, Walmart, Pepsi etc and educational institutions may require it for all students the way bacterial meningitis vaccines are required otherwise your admission is terminated. There are numerous ways corporations will enforce immunizations, I'm pretty sure everyone working in the military and any for of law enforcement will also be forced to take it.

 

[Suleiman]

UK's MRHA is quite a reputable and independent board, just like FDA and I'm sure their approval of this vaccine means its safe and effective.

I will be getting this vaccine later this month here in USA and I have no reservation about it, can't wait.

Keep us updated post vaccine too, Insh Allah it goes smooth. Am in the US too and plan to get it as well couple months down the line.

 

[Suleiman]

Yeah unfortunately I’ll have to take it , Americans though will not ,most of them don’t even leave their state and there is a huge chunk of unvaccinated citizens, highly unlike 70% of them will take it, I have heard atleast 3 Texans saying it better be tranquilizer guns that vaccinates them, these are educated ones above that.

Sadly, this is true. It’s a mixture of willful ignorance and pride that masks their judgement. False bravado or “everyone is out to get me” mentality.

 

[ahsan17]

Yeah unfortunately I’ll have to take it , Americans though will not ,most of them don’t even leave their state and there is a huge chunk of unvaccinated citizens, highly unlike 70% of them will take it, I have heard atleast 3 Texans saying it better be tranquilizer guns that vaccinates them, these are educated ones above that.

I used to make fun of the Pakistanis that don't take vaccines as jahil and uneducated. That was before I knew how big anti-vaxxers are in western countries. It was shocking to find out that the anti-vaxxer movement is bigger in these countries than Pakistan. Forgot the USA, even in Canada some 20% of the population is anti-vaxxer. The percent is probably higher in the US, but still it's remarkable at the conspiracy theories' popularity in western countries.

 

[shaz619]

The UK approach has been heavily influenced by politicians. More so than other states, barring USA.

Totally agree, this was my own major concern regarding the vaccine safety; with those who are skeptical about taking it to begin with, UK fast tracking approval doesn't help as folk will be right to question why there is a lack of consensus with the EU and especially Germany who partnerned with Pfizer. The government should be taking all steps neccesary to ensure that the vaccine is not only safe but also convince those who don't want the jab

 

[shaz619]

They'll just say that Brexit actually helped them approve it faster because the EU process is slower and they could bypass it with an emergency procedure of their own.

It's about being first, how Boris lead inspirationally and elevated the UK to new heights during the pandemic and restored the economy

 

[shaz619]

I distrust this incompetent and amoral government and so the EMA statement does give me slight concern.

On the other hand the EU operates under the Precautionary Principle which needlessly (in my opinion) bans GM food so I am more inclined to follow the scientists.

In any event I won’t get the jab for months as I am not elderly or at-risk.

Whoever decides to take it all you can ask is they exercise great caution, I have family in the NHS so I hope there is no pressure but on the other hand am not against a jab so long it is has been properly approved / safe, blindly taking it though....

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Stuff like this doesn’t help the pro vaccine cause.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pfizer given protection from legal action over coronavirus vaccine by UK government <a href="https://t.co/hlQMWEuX1F">https://t.co/hlQMWEuX1F</a></p>— The Independent (@Independent) <a href="https://twitter.com/Independent/status/1334189937671933955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Gabbar Singh]

And this....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coronavirus vaccine makers see EU shield against side-effect claims <a href="https://t.co/sPHeX1R57d">https://t.co/sPHeX1R57d</a> <a href="https://t.co/gjhwsssIhh">pic.twitter.com/gjhwsssIhh</a></p>— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1308385697968123907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

US coronavirus supremo Dr Anthony Fauci has criticised the speed at which UK regulators approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine

“If you go quickly and you do it superficially, people are not going to want to get vaccinated,” Fauci told Fox News. "We have the gold standard of a regulatory approach with the FDA [Food and Drug Administration].

READ UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for use with rollout from next week

"The UK did not do it as carefully," he added. "They got a couple of days ahead. I don’t think that makes much difference.”

The UK government said on 2 December that it accepted a recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to use the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, making it the first country in the world to do so.

Around 10 million doses will be available soon, with the first 800,000 — enough to vaccinate 400,000 people — arriving in the country in the coming days.

The US FDA will hold a public meeting on 10 December to review the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It could authorise the jab for use soon after that date.

The MHRA accepted regular data updates from Pfizer during the final trial, while the US FDA did not.

US regulators analyse the raw data from drug trials, while UK and European regulators are more willing to accept the findings of the drug maker.

Axios reported that FDA head Stephen Hahn was called to the White House by chief of staff Mark Meadows on 1 December to explain why the regulator was not approving the vaccine faster.

Hahn told CBS that FDA scientists were pouring over the raw data from the trials and said that the reason it had not been approved yet was because of the agency’s cautious approach.

“We have to go through it very carefully," he said. "Our processes are so robust.”



https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/d...-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-approval-20201203

 

[CanadianG00se]

Stuff like this doesn’t help the pro vaccine cause.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pfizer given protection from legal action over coronavirus vaccine by UK government <a href="https://t.co/hlQMWEuX1F">https://t.co/hlQMWEuX1F</a></p>— The Independent (@Independent) <a href="https://twitter.com/Independent/status/1334189937671933955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I have been saying this all along, there is something fishy about these vaccines. I somewhat knew that government may asked individuals to sign some sort of waiver before taking vaccines, making them(both company and government) immune of law suits and/or criminal charges. This whole covid vaccine is looking more fishy

 

[HitWicket]

I have been saying this all along, there is something fishy about these vaccines. I somewhat knew that government may asked individuals to sign some sort of waiver before taking vaccines, making them(both company and government) immune of law suits and/or criminal charges. This whole covid vaccine is looking more fishy

This reduction in liability for vaccine manufacturers isn't anything new. Also although legislation covers manufacturers from some liability they're still not protected against violations of the consumer protection act (i.e if it causes something that a manufacturer would be expected to have discovered in the current state of science and technology).

 

[shaz619]

This reduction in liability for vaccine manufacturers isn't anything new. Also although legislation covers manufacturers from some liability they're still not protected against violations of the consumer protection act (i.e if it causes something that a manufacturer would be expected to have discovered in the current state of science and technology).

Bro chill, be careful before getting in the line already to get a jab up the behind. It doesn't take a genius to figure out this has been rushed.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I used to make fun of the Pakistanis that don't take vaccines as jahil and uneducated. That was before I knew how big anti-vaxxers are in western countries. It was shocking to find out that the anti-vaxxer movement is bigger in these countries than Pakistan. Forgot the USA, even in Canada some 20% of the population is anti-vaxxer. The percent is probably higher in the US, but still it's remarkable at the conspiracy theories' popularity in western countries.

Conspiracy theories have grown over the last couple of decades in the west as it has become more and more apparent that big decisions are often driven by big money. While Pakistanis have always famously been prone to conspiracy theories as we on PP well know, western faith in their govts have slowly been eroded as the public become aware of how huge corporations are gaming the system. Amazon, Google and Facebook offshore tax evasion being prime examples.

 

[JaDed]

Actually it's gonna be enforced through corporations. If anyone works for a major corporation then they're gonna require the vaccine such as Amazon, Walmart, Pepsi etc and educational institutions may require it for all students the way bacterial meningitis vaccines are required otherwise your admission is terminated. There are numerous ways corporations will enforce immunizations, I'm pretty sure everyone working in the military and any for of law enforcement will also be forced to take it.

It depends on Federal organizations.

Christine Nazer, an EEOC spokeswoman, said in a statement the EEOC “is actively evaluating how a potential vaccine would interact with employers’ obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the other laws the Commission enforces.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2020/12/02/workplace-mandated-coronavirus-vaccine/

 

[MenInG]

A cyber espionage campaign targeted at companies vital to the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been detected.

According to an alert issued by the US government and a research blog published by IBM, the hacking campaign started in September.

It targeted a range of organisations, including in government and across the energy and IT sectors, that are associated with the COVID-19 'cold supply' chain.

The cold chain is an essential part of distributing vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, approved in the UK on Tuesday, as the vaccine needs to be stored at -70C (-94F) to avoid spoiling before being administered.

Although it is not clear whether the sophisticated phishing emails were successful, IBM warned that the campaign bore "the potential hallmarks of nation-state tradecraft" rather than an attack by cyber criminals.

"Without a clear path to a cash-out, cyber criminals are unlikely to devote the time and resources required to execute such a calculated operation with so many interlinked and globally distributed targets," added IBM.

This week Interpol issued an alert warning that organised criminal gangs could attempt to steal COVID-19 vaccines or create their own fake versions to profit from the pandemic.

It follows an announcement in July from Britain, the US and Canada that Russian cyber spies were trying to steal research into coronavirus vaccines and treatment.

IBM said emails were sent to 10 organisations, including the European Commission's Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, which handles tax and customs issues across the EU.

Claire Zaboeva, an IBM analyst involved in the detection, told Associated Press that the EU agency - which is revising import and export regimes for vaccines - "would be a gold mine" for hackers seeking to access other organisations.

IBM warned that if the hackers were successful, the attacks could lead to the "stealing and selling [of] vaccine shipping containers in black markets across the globe".

The hackers have sent emails impersonating a business executive from the Chinese company Haier Biomedical, which is "a credible and legitimate member company of the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain" according to IBM.

The intention of the campaign was to harvest credentials, "possibly to gain future unauthorised access to corporate networks and sensitive information relating to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution".

Among the companies targeted were those involved in manufacturing solar panels, which can be used in countries without a reliable power supply to ensure vaccine refrigerators are on, as well as petrochemical companies which produce dry ice.

The targeting of a logistical chain to transport coronavirus vaccines around the world could have been a soft underbelly for the hackers to steal even more sensitive secrets from governments.

Researchers at IBM who uncovered the hack described how a convincing-looking phishing email enticed recipients to enter their credentials on to a web page, which would allow the hackers to harvest these details.

Such a backdoor could give them access to sensitive information on how countries plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.

But IBM's Security X-Force said it could also let the hackers delve much deeper into the compromised accounts from around the world.

"Moving laterally through networks and remaining there in stealth would allow them to conduct cyber espionage and collect additional confidential information from the victim environments for future operations," it said in a blog post.

The attack covered six countries, targeting organisations likely involved in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. They included the European Commission's Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union.

IBM said: "Targeting this entity could serve as a single point of compromise impacting multiple high-value targets across the 27 member states of the European Union and beyond."

The energy sector, involved in manufacturing solar panels to help power refrigerators to keep vaccines cold, was also hit.

"A compromise of such technologies could result in intellectual property theft or stealing and selling vaccine shipping containers in black markets across the globe," the IBM researchers said.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-hackers-targeted-vaccine-distribution-network-12149871

 

[Kroll]

Those 9 priority groups don't cover anyone under 50 and/or anyone who does not have a serious underlying health condition. Looks to me like many of us will not get offered a vaccine for a long time then. Which imo begs the question of whether this virus was really so dangerous for the majority of people in the first place.

It is actually a very valid point. But you only need to look at the stats to make up your own conclusion.

 

[Giannis]

It depends on Federal organizations.

Christine Nazer, an EEOC spokeswoman, said in a statement the EEOC “is actively evaluating how a potential vaccine would interact with employers’ obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the other laws the Commission enforces.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2020/12/02/workplace-mandated-coronavirus-vaccine/

it's not in violation of title vi or any federal laws, even conservatives skeptical of the vaccine have conceded that and that's why it's going to be mandated by comapnies. No corporations wants to continue giving 14-days full pay sick leave for the a virus that now has a vaccine.

 

[CanadianG00se]

This reduction in liability for vaccine manufacturers isn't anything new. Also although legislation covers manufacturers from some liability they're still not protected against violations of the consumer protection act (i.e if it causes something that a manufacturer would be expected to have discovered in the current state of science and technology).

What you’re saying is ideal for normal circumstances but here we are talking about a vaccine that is being rushed by both Govt and Company. It maybe a standard practice to give some leeway to a company regarding lawsuits, but there is something else going on here. For humanity sake I wish these so called vaccines work as per their claims. On the other hand I’m more concerned about potential side-effects that we might not know of.

Are people in UK mostly in favour of such vaccines being rushed?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Conspiracy theories have grown over the last couple of decades in the west as it has become more and more apparent that big decisions are often driven by big money. While Pakistanis have always famously been prone to conspiracy theories as we on PP well know, western faith in their govts have slowly been eroded as the public become aware of how huge corporations are gaming the system. Amazon, Google and Facebook offshore tax evasion being prime examples.

Same was said over concerns with the Swine Flu vaccine, also rushed through.

This is what it led to.

Victims of swine flu jab to get £60m payout

SIXTY people are to receive a multimillion-pound payout from the government after they suffered brain damage caused by a swine flu vaccine.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/victims-of-swine-flu-jab-to-get-pound60m-payout-02ptvlnlzqk

Also issues of sleep disorder for children.

As a healthy person, do I risk brain damage because I dont want pass anything on to a total stranger? No brainer, I wont take it.

 

[JaDed]

it's not in violation of title vi or any federal laws, even conservatives skeptical of the vaccine have conceded that and that's why it's going to be mandated by comapnies. No corporations wants to continue giving 14-days full pay sick leave for the a virus that now has a vaccine.

Well ,we will know by first Qtr end, EU and Britain are shielding the companies from lawsuits US probably will go the same way..

 

[The Viper]

Dr Anthony Fauci says he believes the data 'clearly shows the COVID19 vaccine is safe and effective', but the speed in which it was passed by the UK regulator would have prompted scepticism in the US about its safety.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Line up all the anti-vax loonies and jab 'em first!

 

[KingKhanWC]

Line up all the anti-vax loonies and jab 'em first!

This is a nonsense term and your post highlights the poor emotional blackmail which is being met out to people who are concerned with a rushed through virus and long term health issues it may cause.

Earlier I posted an article showing dozens of people with brain damage due to taking a similar rushed through virus in regards to swine flu.

It should be the opposite, people who are desperate to take it like yourself should be rightly given first oportunity and I genuinley hope you dont get brain damage or any other serious illness later.

 

[miandadrules]

This is a nonsense term and your post highlights the poor emotional blackmail which is being met out to people who are concerned with a rushed through virus and long term health issues it may cause.

Earlier I posted an article showing dozens of people with brain damage due to taking a similar rushed through virus in regards to swine flu.

It should be the opposite, people who are desperate to take it like yourself should be rightly given first oportunity and I genuinley hope you dont get brain damage or any other serious illness later.

Do you subscribe to the times?

Please post the full article.

Also, I think all would benefit from your detailed insight in to the article and the cases in question.

Thanks in advance.


I wouldn’t want people to think you just google and post things based on titles.

I’m sure that’s not the case. It would be truly ignorant if it was.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Do you subscribe to the times?

Please post the full article.

Also, I think all would benefit from your detailed insight in to the article and the cases in question.

Thanks in advance.


I wouldn’t want people to think you just google and post things based on titles.

I’m sure that’s not the case. It would be truly ignorant if it was.

There are many other articles online.

Simple factual history of the swine flu vaccine causing brain damage. Feel free to investigate if you are unaware or ignore. I posted it to give others information, dont care if they reject, accept or take the vaccine. Its their right to take it and I respect that. Good luck.

 

[Third_Umpire]

This is a nonsense term and your post highlights the poor emotional blackmail which is being met out to people who are concerned with a rushed through virus and long term health issues it may cause.

Earlier I posted an article showing dozens of people with brain damage due to taking a similar rushed through virus in regards to swine flu.

It should be the opposite, people who are desperate to take it like yourself should be rightly given first oportunity and I genuinley hope you dont get brain damage or any other serious illness later.

I will admit, my last post was half-intended to get a reaction out of anti-vaxers like yourself

However, it isn't far from the truth. Slight stereotype, but most likely highly correlated, those that are anti-vax are also unlikely to wear max, likely to deny that Covid is real or a big deal, and probably think Bill Gates created it to serve his dark world agenda. In other words, such people are a menace to society.

Vaccnies work, and have proven to work against numerous diseases. You can second guess the motives of companies and governments all you want, but there is scientific research and trials at the back of any vaccine development.

Could there be a side effect to this vaccine? highly unlikely, but maybe...thus far trials show high efficacy and no major side effects.

In lieu of vaccine, will you eventually get (and transmit) Covid? almost certainly, it is a matter of time even for the strictest of locked down countries as the virus has shown to be resilient and easy to spread.

 

[miandadrules]

There are many other articles online.

Simple factual history of the swine flu vaccine causing brain damage. Feel free to investigate if you are unaware or ignore. I posted it to give others information, dont care if they reject, accept or take the vaccine. Its their right to take it and I respect that. Good luck.

So you didn’t even read the article you posted?

What caused the effects?

Active ingredient or excipients?

 

[KingKhanWC]

I will admit, my last post was half-intended to get a reaction out of anti-vaxers like yourself

However, it isn't far from the truth. Slight stereotype, but most likely highly correlated, those that are anti-vax are also unlikely to wear max, likely to deny that Covid is real or a big deal, and probably think Bill Gates created it to serve his dark world agenda. In other words, such people are a menace to society.

Vaccnies work, and have proven to work against numerous diseases. You can second guess the motives of companies and governments all you want, but there is scientific research and trials at the back of any vaccine development.

Could there be a side effect to this vaccine? highly unlikely, but maybe...thus far trials show high efficacy and no major side effects.

In lieu of vaccine, will you eventually get (and transmit) Covid? almost certainly, it is a matter of time even for the strictest of locked down countries as the virus has shown to be resilient and easy to spread.

The virus isnt a worry for me, it's very very unlikely I will even have a serious illness let alone die. However the vaccine may cause me serious health issues, it makes no sense for me to take it. Im not here to risk my health for others esp strangers.

These buzz terms such as anti-vaxers are often used by people who have little or no intelligence to debate the issue, not suggesting its you. Again good luck with the vaccine, please do give us an update in a few years time. Thanks

 

[KingKhanWC]

So you didn’t even read the article you posted?

What caused the effects?

Active ingredient or excipients?

Research it yourself, dont rely on others because this is serious and may give you brain damage in the future just as Swine flu vaccine did to many people.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clinton, Bush, Obama willing to take COVID-19 vaccine live on TV <a href="https://t.co/HM0SRp5EqK">https://t.co/HM0SRp5EqK</a> <a href="https://t.co/UjKpFfmWMB">pic.twitter.com/UjKpFfmWMB</a></p>— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1334382175400189955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Third_Umpire]

The virus isnt a worry for me, it's very very unlikely I will even have a serious illness let alone die. However the vaccine may cause me serious health issues, it makes no sense for me to take it. Im not here to risk my health for others esp strangers.

These buzz terms such as anti-vaxers are often used by people who have little or no intelligence to debate the issue, not suggesting its you. Again good luck with the vaccine, please do give us an update in a few years time. Thanks

It's the flawed logic in your first sentence that leads to labels such as anti-vaxer. You are more worried about a work of science and medicine (aka vaccnie) than you are of contracting a deadly virus. The latter is proven to kill and is spreading faster than even before; the former is proven through clinical trials to work.

If it's not this particular issue, it's the mindset in general...to prefer conspiracy/fairytale/folklore over science/reason/common sense.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Those 9 priority groups don't cover anyone under 50 and/or anyone who does not have a serious underlying health condition.

Think the "Or" is misplaced.

Under 50 with underlying health conditions are covered.

People without serious underlying health condition are covered.

Also, workers in care homes for older people and front line health workers are covered, regardless of age.

 

[miandadrules]

Research it yourself, dont rely on others because this is serious and may give you brain damage in the future just as Swine flu vaccine did to many people.

I should research your claim, when you haven’t read the article and can’t answer the most basic of questions?

Please, substantiate your claims with evidence and an explanation as you understand it.

This shouldn’t be difficult for someone who has actually done some research.

 

[miandadrules]

The virus isnt a worry for me, it's very very unlikely I will even have a serious illness let alone die. However the vaccine may cause me serious health issues, it makes no sense for me to take it. Im not here to risk my health for others esp strangers.

These buzz terms such as anti-vaxers are often used by people who have little or no intelligence to debate the issue, not suggesting its you. Again good luck with the vaccine, please do give us an update in a few years time. Thanks

Are you seriously saying that you are more intelligent than those with an opposing view.

What are you basing this on?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Are you seriously saying that you are more intelligent than those with an opposing view.

What are you basing this on?

I know my body but I dont know the future side effects of this vaccine. So wont be taking it.

Hopefully kids wont have such issues with this vaccine as they had with the Swine flu. Research this too, it might help you decide.

Ministers lose fight to stop payouts over swine flu jab narcolepsy cases
This article is more than 3 years old

Dozens of children who developed sleep disorder after getting vaccine could get compensation after high court ruling

https://www.theguardian.com/science...top-payouts-in-swine-flu-jab-narcolepsy-cases

 

[KingKhanWC]

It's the flawed logic in your first sentence that leads to labels such as anti-vaxer. You are more worried about a work of science and medicine (aka vaccnie) than you are of contracting a deadly virus. The latter is proven to kill and is spreading faster than even before; the former is proven through clinical trials to work.

If it's not this particular issue, it's the mindset in general...to prefer conspiracy/fairytale/folklore over science/reason/common sense.

Pretty sure we'll both be here in a few years time, and I'm willing to bet $100 you'll be vaccinated far before then.

You are ignoring the serious illnesses I have shown due to Swine flu. What are your views on them?

 

[miandadrules]

I know my body but I dont know the future side effects of this vaccine. So wont be taking it.

Hopefully kids wont have such issues with this vaccine as they had with the Swine flu. Research this too, it might help you decide.



https://www.theguardian.com/science...top-payouts-in-swine-flu-jab-narcolepsy-cases

What was the causative agent?

So, you didn’t read the original article?

 

[sweep_shot]

Covid: First batch of vaccines arrives in the UK

The first consignment of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine has arrived in the UK.

It has been taken to a central hub at an undisclosed location, and will now be distributed to hospital vaccination centres around the UK.

The UK has ordered 40 million doses - enough to vaccinate 20 million people.

England's deputy chief medical officer said the first wave of vaccinations could prevent up to 99% of Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths.

Speaking to BBC News, Prof Jonathan Van-Tam said that would be possible if everyone on the first priority list took the vaccine and it was highly effective.

He said it was key to distribute the vaccine "as fast" and at the "highest volume" as possible, but he acknowledged there would need to be some flexibility in the list.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines are made in Belgium and have travelled to the UK via the Eurotunnel.

The order in which people will get the jab is recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and decided by the government.

Elderly people in care homes and care home staff have been placed top of the priority list, followed by over-80s and health and care staff.

However, because hospitals already have the facilities to store the vaccine at the necessary -70C, the very first vaccinations are likely to take place there - for care home staff, NHS staff and patients - to lower the risk of wasting doses.

Prof Van-Tam told BBC News: "If we can get through phase one [of the priority list] and it is a highly effective vaccine and there is very, very high up take, then we could in theory take out 99% of hospitalisations and deaths related to Covid 19.

"That is why the phase one list is what it is, that is the primary ambition."

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55181665.

 

[moghul]

The virus isnt a worry for me, it's very very unlikely I will even have a serious illness let alone die. However the vaccine may cause me serious health issues, it makes no sense for me to take it. Im not here to risk my health for others esp strangers.

These buzz terms such as anti-vaxers are often used by people who have little or no intelligence to debate the issue, not suggesting its you. Again good luck with the vaccine, please do give us an update in a few years time. Thanks

It will be a challenge to educate people like you, who not only risking their own life but also others. If everyone start thinking like you, covid will not go anywhere.

There is reason every vaccine goes through phae-1 to phase 3 trial, to make sure its safe and effective, think again.

 

[moghul]

I really thought most of the PPers were educated and smart people, looking at many response regarding vaccine, I have my doubts now.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clinton, Bush, Obama willing to take COVID-19 vaccine live on TV <a href="https://t.co/HM0SRp5EqK">https://t.co/HM0SRp5EqK</a> <a href="https://t.co/UjKpFfmWMB">pic.twitter.com/UjKpFfmWMB</a></p>— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1334382175400189955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Superman I already had it

 

[Belawal2014]

It will be a challenge to educate people like you, who not only risking their own life but also others. If everyone start thinking like you, covid will not go anywhere.

There is reason every vaccine goes through phae-1 to phase 3 trial, to make sure its safe and effective, think again.

If I'm not mistaken, vaccines also go through Phase 4 which is post-approval monitoring of clinical research subjects for any long-term side effects. Typically the whole process, when not in a pandemic takes up to 10 years, but because of the pandemic, it's been streamlined. I think the concerns about long-term side effects is a fair one, even though manufacturing of vaccines has been the safest it's even been. I think the best way forward at least, temporarily would be to allow people the right to self-determination, the right to, and not to inoculate against the virus. Obvious it's not as simple as it sounds if businesses, employers, and flights require one to be vaccinated.

 

[Firebat]

U.S. expert Fauci backtracks on criticism of UK on vaccine: NBC

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said on Friday he was reacting to gloating by a British television interviewer when he criticized the country’s quick approval of the first coronavirus vaccine.

Fauci, longtime director of a leading U.S. government health agency and member of the White House coronavirus task force, apologized for his comments late on Thursday.

“It was just one of those things where I sat down in front of the TV with a British TV station and the first thing they said was, ‘Ah, we beat you guys. We beat the Americans to the punch’. And I kind of reacted back at him when I think I probably should not have done,” Fauci told NBC’s “Today” show.

British regulators approved the Pfizer Inc vaccine against COVID-19 on Wednesday, saying it had rigorously assessed the vaccine data and had cut no corners.

“When I got back on BBC I explained that that was taken out of context. Now the Brits are good. They know what they’re doing -- I mean they’re really pros, so that was just not really what I meant,” Fauci said.

Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been asked by President-elect Joe Biden to remain in that post and also be his chief medical adviser.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...-criticism-of-uk-on-vaccine-nbc-idUSKBN28E1NE

 

[KingKhanWC]

It will be a challenge to educate people like you, who not only risking their own life but also others. If everyone start thinking like you, covid will not go anywhere.

There is reason every vaccine goes through phae-1 to phase 3 trial, to make sure its safe and effective, think again.

Its you who needs educating as you are unable to comprehend simple English. I dont feel im at risk and I have no wish to take a vaccine which may cause me health issues for the sake of others. Do you understand now or do you need further education?

 

[The Viper]

Bahrain becomes second country to approve Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Bahrain said it had approved the emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech.

The approval on Friday makes Bahrain the second country in the world to grant an emergency use authorisation for the vaccine, the Bahraini national news agency BNA reported.

The United Kingdom became the first on Wednesday.

“Bahrain has approved the of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine that will be used for high-risk groups,” Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) said.

Bahrain did not say how many vaccines it has purchased, nor when vaccinations would begin. It did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press news agency, nor did Pfizer.

The immediate challenge for Bahrain would be the conditions in which the vaccine must be kept. They must be shipped and stored at ultra-cold temperatures of approximately minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit).

Bahrain is a Middle East nation that regularly sees temperatures in the summer of about 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) with high humidity.

Bahrain does have a state-owned carrier, Gulf Air, that it could use to transport the vaccines. In the nearby United Arab Emirates, the Dubai-based long-haul carrier Emirates has already said it is preparing its facilities to distribute vaccines at ultra-cold temperatures.

The vaccine also requires two doses to be given three weeks apart.

Bahrain had already granted emergency-use authorisation for a Chinese vaccine made by Sinopharm and has inoculated some 6,000 people with it.

That vaccine, an “inactivated” shot made by growing the whole virus in a lab and then killing it, also is in use in the UAE.

“The approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will add a further important layer to the Kingdom’s national COVID-19 response,” Mariam al-Jalahma, the chief executive of NHRA told BNA.

More than 87,000 cases
BioNTech, which owns the vaccine, said it has so far signed deals to supply 570 million doses worldwide in 2021, with options to deliver 600 million more. It hopes to supply at least 1.3 billion in 2021.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, is a small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf.

With a population of 1.6 million, it has reported more than 87,000 cases and 341 deaths, according to the government. More than 85,000 people have recovered from the COVID-19 illness that is caused by the virus.

The country is also home to a large expatriate population, with many low-paid labourers from Southeast Asia living in over-crowded housing.

In July, authorities told the AP they had moved 8,000 labourers to new accommodation, disinfected housing and implemented a rule requiring no more than five workers per room, with about three metres (10 feet) of space for each one.

The Bahraini government says it has conducted more than two million coronavirus tests across the island. It initially blamed its higher per-capita infection rate on that.

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/...er-covid-19-vaccine?__twitter_impression=true

 

[KingKhanWC]

Pfizer have now said they can’t be certain their vaccine will work lol

 

[Tubs]

Pfizer have now said they can’t be certain their vaccine will work lol

Any source? Or just being a typical anti-vaxxer?

 

[MenInG]

Pictures of first vaccines arriving in UK

==

Batches of the coronavirus vaccine have been pictured arriving at a hospital in south London ahead of the UK-wide rollout of the treatment this week.

Staff have been unloading doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab from boxes at Croydon University Hospital before placing them in freezers on the site.

Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services, said: "This is just so exciting, it's a momentous occasion.

"The NHS has been planning ostensibly to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history - so it's really exciting."

She added: "To know that (the vaccines are here) and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine, and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing - I'm so proud."

Vaccinations will be administered at dozens of hospital hubs from Tuesday.

People aged 80 and over, care home workers, and NHS workers at the highest risk will be the first to receive the jab.

There are 50 hubs in the first wave of the vaccination programme in England, with more hospitals starting to vaccinate over the coming weeks and months as the programme ramps up.

The NHS's medical director in England has said the start of the vaccination programme this week "feels like the beginning of the end".

Professor Stephen Powis said: "As a doctor, this is a really exciting moment."

But he warned that what he describes as the "largest scale vaccination campaign in our country's history" will be a "marathon, not a sprint".

He said: "It will take many months for us to vaccinate everybody who needs vaccination."

Professor Powis also admitted there were "huge complexities" but said the NHS had a "strong record of delivering large-scale vaccination programmes".

He continued: "Hardworking staff will once again rise to the challenge to protect the most vulnerable people from this awful disease."

Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Professor Powis said extra staff were being drafted in to help with the immunisation programme, and urged people to continue seeking treatment for non-coronavirus health problems.

NHS Providers, the association of foundation trusts and trusts, has told Sky News the UK could have up to four million vaccine doses by the end of the year.

GP surgeries in England have been told to start staffing COVID-19 vaccination centres by 14 December.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly been referring to Tuesday as "V-Day" and told The Sunday Telegraph that he "can't wait" to scrap the three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions and "get back to living by mutual respect and personal responsibility, not laws set in parliament".

When asked if the distribution of the vaccine beginning this week could mean restrictions end sooner, he said: "Yes, it will."

 

[cricketjoshila]

Pfizer has applied for EUA in India.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Pfizer have now said they can’t be certain their vaccine will work lol

Any source? Or just being a typical anti-vaxxer?

Their CEO said in an interview that whilst the vaccine is 95% successful at preventing covid they hadn’t tested whether or not a vaccinated person could still transmit the disease. So no he didn’t say that the vaccine doesn’t work.

https://thehill.com/news-by-subject...-not-sure-if-someone-can-transmit-virus-after

 

[Tubs]

Their CEO said in an interview that whilst the vaccine is 95% successful at preventing covid they hadn’t tested whether or not a vaccinated person could still transmit the disease. So no he didn’t say that the vaccine doesn’t work.

https://thehill.com/news-by-subject...-not-sure-if-someone-can-transmit-virus-after

Ah, so the usual anti-science rubbish, thanks for clearing up.

Makes sense that the most vulnerable will receive the vaccine in that case, then.

 

[moghul]

Their CEO said in an interview that whilst the vaccine is 95% successful at preventing covid they hadn’t tested whether or not a vaccinated person could still transmit the disease. So no he didn’t say that the vaccine doesn’t work.

https://thehill.com/news-by-subject...-not-sure-if-someone-can-transmit-virus-after

Big drug companies with billions of $$ and reputation at stake and potential lawsuits and extensive scrutiny can't afford to say anything unproven, so they are not saying what they have not tested in trials and will come to know months after starting the widespread use of the vaccine.

But, theoretically the vaccinated person will be unlikely to spread the disease as virus will not be able to replicate in the presence of anti-virus antibodies in a vaccinated person to make him/her infectious .