NHS launches first UK rollout of Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine
The NHS has become the first health service worldwide to deploy the life-saving Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid jab. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised this vaccine after strict checks for safety, quality, and effectiveness. It’s the only approved vaccine that can be stored at regular fridge temperatures, making distribution far easier.
Massive UK vaccine rollout kicks off
The government has secured 100 million doses for the entire UK, including crown dependencies and overseas territories. Already, over half a million doses are available with tens of millions more on the way after passing MHRA quality controls.
More than 730 vaccination sites are open nationwide, with hundreds more launching this week to push the total above 1,000. These centres will prioritise those most at risk, offering free vaccinations no matter where people live.
Health Secretary hails “pivotal moment”
“I am delighted that today we are rolling out the Oxford vaccine – a testament to British science. This is a pivotal moment in our fight against this awful virus and I hope it provides renewed hope to everybody that the end of this pandemic is in sight,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
“The NHS is working flat out to vaccinate the vulnerable as fast as possible and will rapidly ramp up the programme. But while vaccinations continue, I urge everyone to stick to restrictions to keep cases down and protect loved ones.”
How the vaccine rollout works
- Initial doses will be delivered via hospitals in the first few days before supplies shift to hundreds of GP-led services and care homes.
- Over one million Brits have already had the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine; that campaign presses on at speed.
- The Oxford jab’s fridge storage means easy transport to care homes and community hubs.
- Vaccinations will be given at hospital hubs, local GP centres, and national vaccination centres for wide access.
- Tens of thousands of current and former NHS staff have signed up as volunteer vaccinators and completed online training.
- GPs are tasked with vaccinating every care home resident in their area by the end of January.
The MHRA, Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and UK medical chiefs have delayed the second dose to get first shots to more people quicker. Priority groups remain care home residents and staff, over-80s, health and care workers, followed by others by age and risk level.
Vaccination sites ramping up fast
- Over 730 sites are active across the UK already.
- Up to 100 more hospitals in England will open this week once cleared.
- Another 180 GP-led services are set to launch this week.
Hospitals starting vaccinations today include Royal Free Hospital London, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, Oxford University Hospitals, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, and George Eliot Hospital.
The UK’s vaccine rollout is in full swing. Stay safe, get vaccinated, and keep following rules to beat Covid for good.
