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Coronaviruses

UK Vaccine Rollout Delayed Due to Shortage of 5m AstraZeneca Doses from India

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK's plan to vaccinate all adults with one dose by the end of July may be affected due to a shortage of 5m doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine from India. This shortage is partly to blame for a forthcoming reduction in the UK's supply, which may delay the rollout of vaccines for people under 50. A member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has conceded that vaccination of those aged under 50 "may kick off slightly later than we'd optimistically hoped".

Key Takeaways:

  • The delay in the delivery of 5m doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine from India may have an effect on infection rates, particularly among younger people.
  • The current aim is to complete priority groups 1-9 (aged 50 and above plus health conditions), but the delay may mean that the next phase, phase two (under-50s), may kick off slightly later than expected.
  • The housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, has conceded that the rollout of vaccines will be held up for around four weeks.
  • The government has learned of coronavirus vaccine supply issues "in the last few days" and is confident that supply will increase in the months of May, June, and July.
  • The European Medicines Agency is due to deliver its verdict on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after more than a dozen European countries halted its rollout over fears regarding blood clots.
  • AstraZeneca has partnered with the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, for supplies to the Indian government and other countries, including low- and middle-income ones.

Statistics:

  • 5m doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine have been delayed from India, which is partly to blame for a reduction in the UK's supply.
  • The rollout of vaccines will be held up for around four weeks due to the shortage.
  • The government aims to vaccinate all adults with one dose by the end of July, despite the delay.
  • 12 weeks is the timeframe for delivering second doses of the vaccine, which must be given to provide long-term protection.
  • The Serum Institute of India has supplied 5 million doses to the UK a few weeks ago and will try to supply more later.

Sources:

  • Robert Jenrick, Housing Secretary, speaking on BBC Breakfast
  • Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme
  • A spokesperson for the Serum Institute of India speaking to the BBC
  • AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company partnering with the Serum Institute of India
  • European Medicines Agency, due to deliver its verdict on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

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