Priority list set out for Oxford-astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine
PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS WILL BE OFFERED JAB SOONER
PEOPLE with one or more of 14 named underlying health conditions are being prioritised for the new Oxford vaccine.
The vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca will be given to people in order of priority set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
And although all UK adults can now expect to get the vaccine, it will take several months for the majority of the population to receive theirs as the priority list is worked through.
In a report, published on Wednesday, December 30, the committee set out a list of health conditions which had been prioritised.
Working-age adults with underlying health conditions “which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality” can get the vaccine before all other under-65s.
The report says: “There is good evidence that certain underlying health conditions increase the risk of morbidity and mortality from Covid-19.
“When compared to persons without underlying health conditions, the absolute increased risk in those with underlying health conditions is considered generally to be lower
than the increased risk in persons over the age of 65 years (with the exception of the clinically extremely vulnerable).
“The committee’s advice is to offer vaccination to those aged 65 years and over followed by those in clinical risk groups aged 16 years and over.
“The main risk groups identified by the committee are set out below. These health conditions include: Chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and severe asthma
Chronic heart disease (and vascular disease)
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
Chronic neurological disease including epilepsy
Down’s syndrome
Severe and profound learning disability Diabetes Solid organ, bone marrow and stem cell transplant recipients
■ People with specific cancers
■ Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
Asplenia and splenic dysfunction Morbid obesity
Severe mental illness
The report also says other groups at higher risk, including those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, should also be offered vaccination alongside these groups. The news the vaccine had been approved came as the number of coronavirus deaths in the UK increased by 981 - a record daily toll during the second wave of the pandemic.
It is the highest daily figure reported since April 24, when 1,010 deaths were reported, and it is likely higher than 981 due to a lag in reporting deaths over the Christmas period.
Britain’s official toll now stands at 72,548 fatalities within 28 days of a positive test, although the actual total, including death certificates mentioning Covid-19, is believed to be more than 88,000.
There is good evidence that certain underlying health conditions increase the risk of morbidity and mortality from Covid-19 Joint vaccination committee