Vaccine rollout

On 8th December, the COVID-19 vaccination programme was rolled out in the UK and the first patient outside of a clinical trial setting received the vaccine. Experiences from other vaccination campaigns demonstrate that vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions. Vaccines for COVID-19 are another tool in the fight to reduce its risk and burden, as well as offering additional protection to those who are considered clinically vulnerable.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) identified that frontline health and social care workers providing care to vulnerable people—including paramedics—are one of the highest priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination. There is an overwhelming amount of information circulating about both COVID-19 and its vaccine, so it is understandable that some people are cautious about it. The information now being published about the vaccines and trials to date however should support informed decision-making.

We know that the COVID-19 disease varies and that some people will only experience mild symptoms, while in others it has proven fatal. Additionally, the effects of ‘Long COVID’, with symptoms ranging from breathlessness to chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety and ‘brain fog’, will factor into our individual decision making in relation to vaccination.