‘VACCINE IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE’

A finance chief’s work developing a unique vaccine in Scotland is enriched by “phenomenal” public support.

Working daily with the vaccine task force, father of two David Lawrence leads discussions with the UK Government around manufacture and roll-out of his biotech company’s “inactivated adjuvante” COVID-19 vaccine that saw Livingston-based Valneva “take a different approach”.

He commented: “We’ll ensure absolutely we’ve got a safe and effective vaccine. I think people should feel very encouraged. They should be very confident the safety profile will be absolutely fine.”

The CFO’s 14 year-old daughter Sophie is remote learning while son Cameron, 18, is a university student. “In terms of the support from my family and friends, it’s been phenomenal,” he said.

“You see neighbours and they say ‘great job, keep up the good work’ and that’s all very supportive.

“I feel very blessed to be involved, being some sort of partner in the overall solution.”