Wales ready to roll out potential vaccines from December 1

Public Health Wales has confirmed it is ready to roll out potential coronavirus vaccines from Tuesday, December 1.

The announcement follows news on Monday, November 23, that data from phase three of a trial of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca has a success rate of 70%.

Data from the trial shows the vaccine was 90% effective when a halved first dose and standard second dose was administered.

Oxford University also confirmed no serious safety events related to the vaccine have been identified in the clinical trials, which have enrolled more than 24,000 people.

The results of the vaccine follow other promising vaccine results developed by Pfizer and Moderna earlier this month.

None of the vaccines are currently ready to be rolled out to the public as they have not yet been approved by safety regulators – who will assess the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and ensure that it is manufactured to a high standard.

In response to a potential vaccine, Public Health Wales said: “In Wales, we have been planning for some time to make sure that systems are ready for when a vaccine does become available and approved as safe and effective for use.

“This includes organising the logistics for transporting and storing the vaccine, identifying suitable venues for vaccinations to take place, and ensuring that sufficient trained staff are available to administer vaccines.

“NHS Wales will be ready from December 1 to offer a vaccine as soon as one is approved for use.”

Speaking at the Welsh Government’s coronavirus press briefing on Monday, November 23, Health Minister Vaughan Gething said Welsh Government will follow guidance of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The committee, which advises the UK and Welsh governments on vaccines and immunisation policies, recommends prioritising older adults in care homes and care workers initially, before all those aged over 80 and those working in health and social care.

Next in line are the over-75s, then the over-70s, and so on down the age groups, as more vaccine shots become available.

Further details of how a vaccine will be rolled out are expected on Friday, November 27.