Covid-19: Britons not in such a hurry to get vaccinated

The British government was proud to announce yesterday the start of vaccination against the coronavirus in the United Kingdom.

The campaign is expected to start next week with 800,000 doses of the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.

A total of 40 million doses have been ordered, of which 10 million are expected to be available by the end of the year.

50 hospitals are already ready to administer this vaccine and vaccination centers are being deployed across the country.

But will the British be there?

Steve, a London Underground agent dressed in his blue and red uniform, isn't sure what to think.

“I'm not a scientist, I don't know if that's good news,” he admits.

I still find that it went a bit fast.

“This fifty-something considers himself in good shape and does not worry more than that for his health, despite a job that exposes him to the virus on a daily basis.

"Before deciding to go get vaccinated, I'll wait and see," he warns.

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Why such an advance?

In any case, it is not a priority in the vaccination lists.

The occupants and staff of the retirement homes will come first, then in descending order of age, those over 85, then 80 and so on.

Medical personnel and people with fragile health or with risk factors will also be given priority.

Rob and Mia (his first name has been changed), two London actors aged 28 and 25, find this choice quite paradoxical.

"It's smart to test this vaccine with the most vulnerable people!"

Rob says ironically, a motley mask on his nose.

I still think I will get the vaccine when it is my turn.

But by then, the negative effects will surely already be known.

Mia said she was more skeptical.

“I think it went way too fast.

But it's important to get the shot and I think I'll go too.

"

The speed of this scientific discovery also worries Mark, a 25-year-old student.

“We can't find an HIV vaccine despite the fact that research has been around for years, so I'm quite divided on the issue.

There has been a lot of conflicting information about this virus, a lot of conspiracy theories… I have no idea whether or not I will get the vaccine.

"

"There are too many questions"

For Nicholas Makkefaides, a seller of religious articles, the decision is made: he will not get vaccinated.

He believes that 95% efficiency is not enough.

“If we find a vaccine that works 100%, then that would be a miracle!

But there are too many questions.

The virus must be stored at a very cold temperature, how do you know if the protocol will be followed before receiving the injection?

It is not known how long this vaccine will work and what the long term effects will be.

Despite his 68 years, which places him among those at risk, he considers that the uncertainties around the vaccine are greater than the risk of the virus.

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This opinion is not shared in the UK.

According to a poll carried out by Yougov in November, 67% of Britons think they will be fine to get vaccinated against 21% who doubt it.