Government health bosses refuse to give 'specific details' about North West Covid vaccine supply cuts

A Government health department has refused to give specific details when quizzed about the impact of cutting a third of the North West's vaccine supplies next month.
By Rebecca Beardmore
Published 28th Jan 2021, 12:30 BST
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The Health Service Journal reported earlier this week that the North West will see delivered doses drop from around 310,000 to 200,000 in the second week of February, in order to target supplies at regions with slower vaccination rates.

Meanwhile, UK-based AstraZeneca warned of a reduction in planned deliveries because of production problems, while US firm Pfizer also said it was working to increase capacity at its Belgian factory.

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A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that targeted deliveries are being made to areas where there are more people left to vaccinate in the priority cohorts.

Covid vaccine supplies will be cut by a third in the North West in February, to enable other regions to catch up with their vaccination rates. Photo: Daniel Martino, JPI MediaCovid vaccine supplies will be cut by a third in the North West in February, to enable other regions to catch up with their vaccination rates. Photo: Daniel Martino, JPI Media
Covid vaccine supplies will be cut by a third in the North West in February, to enable other regions to catch up with their vaccination rates. Photo: Daniel Martino, JPI Media

However, when quizzed about where a third of the North West's vaccine supply would be sent to, the spokesman said "we are not getting into specific details."

"Vaccines will continue to be distributed evenly and fairly after February 15 and everyone will get their second dose within 12 weeks," they added.

“From the outset we promised that vaccines would be distributed equitably right across the country, ensuring the most vulnerable people in each area are offered the vaccine first – and that is what’s happening.

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