Tag: Grace Browne

Vaccines are making some long Covid sufferers feel better

Mary Pat Campbell

Link: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/covid-19-long-haulers-vaccine?mc_cid=4922be2694&mc_eid=983bcf5922

Excerpt:

Brown’s story isn’t unusual. Around the world, many members of the long Covid community are reporting a remarkable improvement after receiving the vaccine. Although there is no definitive data on how many are experiencing this, informal surveys report up to 30 per cent of long-haulers whose symptoms have improved following vaccination. The majority report feeling the same, with fewer reporting a worsening of symptoms after receiving the vaccine.

Many long-haulers had initially expressed apprehension about the vaccine, for fear it would exacerbate their condition. But the opposite appears to be the case for some. Figuring out why could be the key to finally understanding what causes the mysterious ailment, once and for all.

Author(s): Grace Browne

Publication Date: 25 March 2021

Publication Site: Wired UK

Who the UK vaccinates next is a question of economics, not health

Mary Pat Campbell

Link: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/coronavirus-vaccine-priority?mc_cid=7fe047fe3e&mc_eid=983bcf5922

Excerpt:

Almost 9.3 million people in the UK have now received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. The country’s plan to vaccinate the most vulnerable is, remarkably, on track to meet its spring deadline. With a limited supply, the government has had to make tough decisions about who should be first in line to receive the jab. As the first phase of the vaccination programme continues at pace, one question keeps cropping up: who’s next on the list?

The UK’s current vaccination priority list was drawn up with a single goal in mind: preventing as many deaths as possible. That meant vaccinating those carrying the highest risk of mortality from Covid-19, as well as protecting the health and social care staff and systems. The government is aiming to offer a first dose to everybody in the top four priority groups by the middle of February. The rest of the list goes down incrementally in age to those aged 50 and over, and younger people with underlying conditions. All together, these groups are estimated to make up 99 per cent of preventable deaths from Covid-19.

Author: Grace Browne

Publication Date: 2 February 2021

Publication Site: Wired UK