The hospital consultant who says: I don’t need it
A SENIOR consultant at a major London hospital is among the NHS staff who have turned down the Covid vaccine, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The medic, who asked to remain anonymous, said he has already had the virus and is sceptical about vaccines.
His controversial views are out of step with the vast majority of scientists and medical professionals, as well as overwhelming evidence about the effectiveness and safety of Covid jabs. But they illustrate the challenge the NHS faces in winning around its entire frontline workforce.
The consultant said he wants to see more evidence to convince him that the vaccine will be more effective than his own natural immunity.
‘ Those who are a bit reluctant say, “Do you know what, I have had Covid, I have survived it and I’m going to take my chances on my own immunity”, ’ he said.
‘And that’s kind of where I am at the moment. I’m not anti [vaccination], I just don’t know if it is going to be a massive benefit for me compared to my own immunity.’
The NHS, however, is clear that vaccination offers ‘the best protection against coronavirus’. And Public Health England research has found that while people who contracted Covid are likely to be protected against reinfection for months, they may still carry the virus in their nose and throat and could therefore spread it to others.
The consultant said he has not come under any pressure from bosses to have the jab and has been careful not to discuss his scepticism with colleagues.
‘ As a consultant you are OK. They offer you the vaccine but there is no “you can’t come to work unless you have it”. It’s a bit like religion. You have got to be so careful in talking to people about vac
‘I’m not anti, I just don’t know if it’s a benefit’
cines because they will just say, “Ah, you’re an anti-vaxxer.”
‘ All the conspiracy theorists were saying last year that we would be in and out of lockdown until the vaccine comes – and then we will be forced into health passports. And it’s all coming true.’
He said he may take up the vaccine if it means he can travel abroad. ‘Maybe come May or June time when I find I can’t travel, then I might just get the vaccine,’ he added.