Vocal Voices

.... but are they the best way to protect the general public.

Since the vaccine started to be administered the media has wasted no time in telling us that someone over 80 or over 90 has had the jab and feels fine. Oh, and they are looking forward to Christmas. The latest 'good news' story is that a 'young lady' of 108 has had the jab.

This is all well and good, but in a time of what we are told is a crisis should these people be a priority? I don't want to sound harsh as I have family members well into their 80s, but should they be given such priority over my younger relatives who are economically active and desperately trying to hang on and get by?

It's a tough call, but these older and also the most vulnerable are already being well shielded.

It is always difficult to know who should be first in line. Certainly all those dealing with patients in the health service and in care homes should get it as they need to be protected themselves and hopefully they will not spread infection amongst the elderly. The older you get it appears the more likelihood when you get COVID, the more the chances are of passing away, so yes, I think the elderly should be given the injection as a priority, together with those of any age with underlying health conditions. Hopefully with the level of support from volunteers and GP practices using local halls with plenty of space, they will work quickly downwards and will be able to protect the rest of society within the next few months.

Meds, I understand what you say, but I fundamentally disagree.

OK, let's be very cruel. The average age at death in the UK is 80.1 years. Anyone older is already on borrowed time. Some are very active, and I know a few neighbours and family who are, but others are already in care homes because they cannot cope. They are already shielded. They are not out raving, partying or getting pi55ed in 'Spoons. By all means inoculate their carers, but leave them be.

When it comes to inoculation of the public the numbers are not there, yet. With what is thought to be the level of 'herd immunity' - 60% - it will take over two years even if we inoculate something like 700,000 people per day. Forget 2021 - write it off.

The 'herd' btw consists of those aged 20 to 60 who just happen to be in the lowest priority groups for the vaccine. Go figure.

!y own opinion
I'Im 78
I actually think that younger age groups should be a priority those in the nhs care homes people who keep the wheels turning for our wellbeing and economic supply chains
I can quiet easily wait a while longer I would sooner !y son's and family got it before me it's just an age thing with me

Well said, Saundra.

They are the ones who keep the lights on, the water running, the gas working, the shelves stacked, the TV working, and the transport running.

They should be the priorities.

Thee and me just take. Sure, we put in during our time, but it is now time for us to take a back seat and let our young ones have their go. They should be our priority.

My take on it is, the sooner the very old and vulnerable (including the young vulnerable) are vaccinated, the sooner we can all get on with getting life going again

I dont understand why they are vaccinating those in care homes. They dont go anywhere, surely the answer is to vaccinate their families and the staff?

MM, I agree.

Think of you have had the injection in a care home you could receive visitors
It's a bit of a minefield really

My wife and I are both over 80.

Had a phone call last week from our doctor saying we could have an inoculation. We declined the invitation. Have been put on the list for next year.

We want to see what happens especially as a new strain of the virus has been found.