Give doctors and nurses the jab now
I FIND it incredible that nurses and doctors in the thick of battling this pandemic are not first in line for the Covid vaccine. Surely it makes sense to vaccinate them before anyone else because they are at risk of falling ill and being put out of action. There is already a shortage of NHS frontline staff. My daughter is a nurse in a hospital in Surrey and is working long hours because so many of her colleagues are off work with Covid.
E. CHAMBERS, Clyro, Herefordshire. SURELY the vaccine should be given to frontline workers first. Not just the NHS, but teachers, refuse collectors, shop assistants and bus drivers. Older people like me can choose to stay at home and it won’t affect the economy. We would be safe because everyone we would come into contact with would be vaccinated. What is the point of putting a 101-year-old person at the top of the list and 40-year-olds at the bottom? I’m not being callous, just realistic. We need our children educated, our shops and offices open and our economy on its feet. PATRICIA HEARN, Peterborough, Cambs. I AGREE that the NHS and care home workers should be first in line when it comes to the vaccine. However, don’t forget people like my son, who is a supermarket floor manager and comes into contact with hundreds of strangers. As shop staff are keeping us fed and watered, shouldn’t my son and his co-workers be a priority? Like the NHS and care workers, he is paid a pittance for his loyalty, dedication and bravery.
PETER LANE, West Wickham, Kent. I HAVE received a text message from my surgery that Covid-19 vaccinations will soon commence in my area, with priority for those aged over 80. That is only right, but the next group to be vaccinated should be teachers, nursery staff, police, the fire service and other frontline workers such as bus drivers and train staff. Those in their 60s and 70s should accept that they need to shield for a little longer. I am 79, in good health and can wait my turn. Those providing vital services should come first.
PETER KING, Great Gaddesden, Herts. I AGREE with Dr Scurr that we should give medics the Covid jab first (Mail). However, they should surely be followed by teachers. This would keep children in school without the constant interruptions caused by staff being sent home to isolate.