The Covid Vaccine Inquiry findings
In the most recent inquiry report, UK’s Covid vaccine programme was described as “an extraordinary feat”. The largest vaccination effort in UK history, it played an important role in saving many lives.
The impact of vaccination on saving lives
The chair of the inquiry, Baroness Hallett, said that vaccines saved more than 475,000 lives. Over 90% of those aged 12 years and older received at least one vaccine dose. This helped to reduce serious illness and death.
She also cited another important success. Dexamethasone is a cheap steroid that doctors began to use for severe Covid.
Concerns Over Vaccine Hesitancy
The report, despite its success raised questions about vaccination uptake. Some communities had lower levels of participation, particularly in poorer areas and with certain ethnicities.
Misinformation on the internet played an important role, according to the report. A lot of people were also unsure due to the rapid development of vaccines. In some places, the trust people had in authorities in healthcare dwindled.
In future crises, it will be crucial to communicate clearly about the safety of vaccines and their benefits.
The decline in routine childhood vaccinations
Since the outbreak, childhood vaccination rates are down. The decline is not directly related to Covid, but rather reflects the general lack of trust in vaccination programmes.
Support to Vaccine-Affected People
More than 20,000 claimants have filed claims under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. Only 1% of claimants received compensation. The maximum payment is currently PS120,000. This figure has not changed since 2007.
Many claimants find it difficult to prove 60% disability. This inquiry suggests reforming the process, and increasing compensation to keep up with inflation.
