Academy statement: COVID-19 Vaccine

“The news on a potential COVID-19 vaccine is hugely encouraging although we recognise that there is still a long way to go.

It is absolutely right that detailed planning is underway for the implementation of a vaccination programme. This will be a major logistical exercise which needs expert planning and careful communications.

In terms of the prioritisation for a vaccination programme the Academy and medical royal colleges support the interim guidance on priority groups for vaccination published by the JCVI in September. However, it is important to recognise that this was interim guidance and the advice may evolve in light of the emerging evidence. Prioritisation must be appropriate for the actual vaccines we have and JCVI will obviously be considering this once they have the data from the trial.”

10 November 2020