So far, my optimism about a full vaccination roll out next spring seems to be well placed. The news about the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine this week is excellent. Despite the knee-jerk responses from those profiteering obsessives on the stock market, who interpreted the reported 70% success of the vaccine as some sort of disappointment that resulted in a drop in the share price for the companies involved, the initial trial results are excellent.
Firstly, this is a vaccine that can be distributed and delivered to the public far more easily than those requiring specialist storage and preparation. A vaccine with 90% effectiveness against infection is less attractive if it cannot be delivered to everyone. Secondly, of the 30% who did get a post-vaccine infection, none of these were severe in nature. And finally, the success rate of the new vaccine improves to 90% if the first of the two doses is smaller; for some reason to be established, an initial immune trigger then boosted by a second, full dose seems to improve success.
So, with supply for the UK assured, and distribution feasible (including employing some optometrists to deliver injections), we should ignore the financial markets and be heartened by the prospect of immunity being offered soon in the UK.
On another matter much reported last week, I take two major learning points from the sad case of Honey Rose. Firstly, it is with the optometrist that the buck stops if incorrect fundus images are shown or missed; no one else. Secondly, if there is any reason why a child cannot be examined during consultation, for example if poor cooperation is a factor, then records must clearly show this reason and there should be an indication of what is being done instead; return soon or refer to a colleague. Whatever the plan, recording it is essential.