Online voices

STORY:

An MP fears lives will be risked by any decision to redirect supplies of coronavirus vaccine away from the North East.

Sheila Lee: The north east had the highest death rate from covid. We have followed the government guidelines to reduce the speed of the virus. Now we are being punished for vaccinating our vulnerable to quickly. There are many older people still waiting for the vaccine.

Lorraine Johnson:

I was just getting excited to be able to get my vaccines very soon then this happens. Why are we being punished? We would have had a good chance to get through the list much earlier and this would save so many lives.

Lorna McAllister:

My 84 year old father in law has serious heart issues was only contacted last week n had his first vaccine so we can’t be that far ahead!

Victoria Bones: Is it not that we have excelled in the roll out and exceeded expectations, it’s got to be fair for all.

Wilf Newall:

Agree, however, government reports on % not numbers so 30% of 10m in London is greater than 45% of 2m in the North East.

Kathy Haq: Sad that we're being punished for being more organised than other regions.

Ken Pullan: It has to be a decision based on facts. We wouldn’t complain if other areas’ vaccines were redirected here because of an identified need

But it shouldn’t be based on an areas efficiency at administering it. Be better to review an areas covid infections after high levels of inoculations have been reached. It would be a good measure of its efficacy.

Stuart Mclaren:

I hope that we don’t hear of any vaccines getting wasted due to the lack of resources in other areas.

Juliet Finley: If it is due to efficiency then its disgraceful surely the government should look to Sunderland and urge others to follow suit.

Kevin Rowan: Why redirect if Sunderland has the highest infection rate?

Wilf Newall: It’s an absolute disgrace, punished for efficiency.