Covid-19 vaccine: Locals react to potential roll out

On November 12, another 33,470 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the 24 hours before 9am, according to the latest Government figures.

READ MORE: Covid-19: Weekly cases, rates and changes for EVERY Reading area

The Chronicle asked readers if they would consider having the vaccine, if and when it became available and, while locals gave mixed responses, the majority of those who answered said they would have the vaccine.

Here's what the people of Reading had to say:

"Bring it on"

Nick Jerram responded: "I'd be happy to. But I don't think I'll be a high priority."

While some questioned the safety of the vaccine, others had more confidence in the trials it has already undergone.

Andy Robert Long commented: "Yes, passing phase three trials is good enough for me thanks" while Neil Peters said: "If it makes the same difference as measles, then even if you think you don't need it, you should have the vaccine to protect everyone else and reduce the ability of the virus to multiply."

Some said they would depending on further information, but others suggested they would take the vaccine without question.

Mike Singleton said:"Yes bring it on, why anyone wouldn't amazes me."

Others simply replied with a strong "yes!", including Coleen Boyd, Irene Kearse, Barry Glanville, Tony Walsh, Judy Mitchell,m Paul Searle, Mary Stephenson Hattel, Heather Howarth and many others.

Lisa Brockbank explained: "Yes, if it means normality - if it means I can travel to see my family... yes yes bring it on."

Some locals were more reluctant to answer with a resounding yes though, with Ruth Wilcox commenting: "Yes, definitely once I know its 100 per cent safe" and Diane Haines adding: "If it's proven safe yes and I want my freedom back."

"No, nope and no chance"

Not everyone in Reading seems to think the vaccine is a good idea, though.

Sheena Wotherspoon said: "No, don't trust it."

Sharlene Callender echoed this response, adding: "No... only because we don't know what's in it and what the health implications are down the line."

Alex Keegan, Evita Grase and Sue Jerome simply said "No", while Alan Gulliver responded: "No, nope and no chance."

Victoria Cox said: "No, not yet."

"Probably..."

Many were also undecided.

Anit Lanu replied: "Might think about it if the Queen her kids, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and Boris have it."

Andy Orchard said: "Probably, once it's been out there for a while" while Glynis Green said: "Not 100 per cent on this yet.

"I just hope it's proven safe.

"I wish I had confidence in it and with my health issues I probably should jump at the chance."

Jo Souter said she was going to take time to think about it, commenting: "I believe under the rules of who gets it first I won't qualify until the end of April 2021.

"I'm ok with that. I will decide then.

"If it became a requirement to travel I would have it."

The Covid-19 vaccine

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said he was confident the NHS was up to the "huge logistical challenge" of rolling out a coronavirus vaccine, adding: "We have for flu every year, we will be able to do it for Covid."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the vaccines could be flown into the UK to avoid potential disruption at the border when Britain leaves the single market and customs union at the end of the year.

Matt Hancock said he was "confident" that a no-deal Brexit would not delay supplies, amid concern that the Pfizer vaccine - which is manufactured in Belgium - could be affected by Britain's departure from the EU.

Earlier on Thursday, Reading West MP and cabinet minister Alok Sharma repeatedly failed to rule out that the supply of a coronavirus vaccine would not be affected by problems when the new arrangements come into force on January 1.

READ MORE: REVEALED: Five of the highest and lowest food hygiene ratings in Reading

The Business Secretary was questioned on the issue at a Downing Street press conference.

"This is an issue... across many sectors but that is precisely why we have been investing hundreds of millions of pounds in terms of border infrastructure, and we've been investing in grants for customs intermediaries," he said.

"It's why we are making a very big effort to communicate with businesses to make sure that they are ready, so that they can get customs clearances done.

"All of that work is ongoing. If we all get prepared, we will be in absolutely the right place post-transition."

Talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are still ongoing, but even if an agreement is reached there will still be major changes to cross-border trade as the UK leaves the single market and customs union.

Mr Sharma said: "Whatever form of deal we end up with with the European Union, there are going to be changes for businesses, and my department has been writing on a weekly basis to hundreds of thousands of businesses, making them aware of individual areas where they're going to have to have a look and see whether they're ready for the end of transition.

"That may be in terms of customs clearances, it may be how they're looking to employ people who are currently working in the European Union, issues around work permits if they're going to go and work in the European Union.

"All of these issues I think businesses, of course, will want to address."

Concern about hauliers facing disruption crossing the English Channel has led the Government to introduce a permit system to enter Kent, only allowing lorries destined for the continent into the county if they have the correct paperwork.