Downing Street refuses to deny that Covid vaccine supplies will be diverted from the North East to other parts of the country
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Downing Street has declined to deny suggestions that the North East will see a reduction in their Covid vaccine supplies in order to boost other areas of the country which haven’t made as much progress during the roll out.
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Hide AdVaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has previously denied that vaccines would be moved from the North East and Yorkshire to help other regions but on Friday, January 22, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman refused to repeat the denial.
He said: “I’m simply pointing out the fact that we’ll continue to prioritise the over-80s and will ensure the areas that need more in order to increase those percentages can receive it, while ensuring that we provide vaccine doses to all areas of the country.”
The spokesperson also highlighted Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s comments made on Thursday (January 21) about the roll out needing to be “fair”.
He added: “We will continue to ensure that all areas and regions of the UK receive the vaccine to ensure we can protect the most vulnerable in society.
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Hide Ad“I would point to what Matt Hancock said yesterday where he said we have got to make sure vaccination is fair across the UK and some parts of the country, including parts of the North East and Yorkshire, have gone fast early on.
“He also said why we’re putting more vaccine into areas that haven’t made as much progress, so everyone in the top four groups can receive the offer of a vaccine by February 15.
“But it remains the case that areas of the UK will continue to receive doses of the vaccine.”
Our A Shot in the Arm campaign is urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock to bring the roll-out programme closer to many people’s homes by utilising the country’s community pharmacies.
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Hide AdThe petition has already attracted over 85,000 signatures on change.org and you can view it by clicking here.