Chief medical officer warns it’s still “very early days” on coronavirus vaccine

Wales’ chief medical officer has welcomed news of a potential coronavirus vaccine, but warned it’s still “very early days”.

Dr Frank Atherton has stressed the importance of continuing to follow current coronavirus safety measures, such as social distancing and wearing face masks.

It comes after American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer announced its vaccine, which is in the final stages of testing, has a 90% success rate at preventing people from catching coronavirus.

Dr Atherton said: “This is an important step and a remarkable scientific achievement. But full safety data is needed before the vaccine is approved for use.

“We have well-developed plans to roll out any approved vaccine across priority groups in Wales, but in the meantime, we all need to continue doing everything we can to continue to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Limiting indoor visits, keeping our social distance and wearing a face covering where needed, as well as regular hand washing, are vital actions if we are to suppress the spread of the virus in Wales.”

However, he said planning for the delivery of a potential coronavirus vaccine in Wales “is well underway”.

“Health and social care workers, care home residents and staff have been prioritised to receive a vaccine first, with roll out to older people in age bands from next year,” he said.

“But it’s likely to be a long time until the whole population has been vaccinated, so until then we should all be doing whatever we can to stop the spread of the virus.”