Although there’s plenty of positive vaccine news to go around, the latest government press conference offered a sobering reminder of the obstacles that remain when it comes to ensuring a successful vaccination programme. The Health Secretary said that despite recent efforts to prevent new arrivals to the UK bringing in the South African variant, random check found 11 cases that could not be linked to international travel. This means there has been community transmission.
While Hancock said there was ‘currently no evidence’ to suggest this variant is more severe, its emergence is of concern across government. The reason? The effect of vaccines on the new strain. Early data from two new coronavirus vaccine trials — Novavax and Johnson & Johnson — suggested they have lower efficacy against the South African variant.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in