Prof DAVID WERRING: Why the AztraZeneca jab is worth the risk

As a clinical neurologist, I must balance on a daily basis the risks and benefits of interventions in often complex, high-risk situations. While these are specialised decisions about the net benefit of a particular course of action, they are the stuff of medicine in general – and of course of life, too. And it is … Read more

‘Prof Lockdown’ warns AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine is ‘vulnerable’ to South African variant

Professor Neil Ferguson warned the South African strain had taken root in Europe Professor Neil Ferguson today called for tighter border controls with Europe to keep out the dangerous South African of coronavirus amid fears it could undermine Britain’s vaccine roll-out. The SAGE adviser – dubbed ‘Professor Lockdown‘ because his gloomy modelling of the first … Read more

Boris Johnson backs plans to knight Prof. Whitty for his ‘tireless’ work amid the pandemic

Arise, Sir Chris… Boris Johnson backs plans to knight Prof. Whitty for his ‘tireless’ work amid the pandemic The Chief Medical Officer is likely to be put forward for the honour at the end of this year to recognise his ‘dedicated service’ during the coronavirus pandemic A Cabinet source has said Mr Johnson favours his … Read more

Mobile app ‘Freedom passports’ could bring the end of lockdowns, says PROF SIR CHRISTOPHER EVANS 

The Prime Minister’s view that the third wave of COVID evident in Europe may ‘wash up on our shores’ could well be correct. However depressing that prospect is, the UK should not be blown off course as we plan our route out of lockdown. As a scientist, I learned a long time ago that getting … Read more

Britain’s vaccine shortage in April WON’T hamper inoculation drive, says Prof Lockdown

Britain’s vaccine in shortage in April won’t hamper the UK’s inoculation drive – even though millions of over-40s may have to wait until May to get jabbed, one of the Government’s top scientific advisers insisted today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday admitted that a delayed shipment of 5million AstraZeneca jabs from India was a key … Read more

Royal College of GPs chair PROF MARTIN MARSHALL: Why DO you need diversity training to give a jab? 

Amid a worsening death toll, soaring infections, and intense pressure on the NHS, the Covid crisis could hardly appear more grim.  But as the new year begins, the vaccination programme provides genuine hope that the disease could be conquered. This crucial initiative was given a huge boost on Wednesday by the approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca … Read more

PROF DAVID LIVERMORE: Is the mutant virus really out of control?

Rarely has the midwinter seemed so bleak. Lockdown has returned with a new intensity, Christmas is curtailed by official edict and around half the population is effectively under house arrest. The Government justifies this draconian approach by warning that a dangerous new strain of coronavirus is ‘out of control’, to use the alarming phraseology of … Read more

Projection versus reality: Experts say Britain could fall well short of Prof Vallance’s warning

Scientists have questioned whether the UK is likely to see 50,000 new infections a day by next month as projected by the Government’s chief scientific adviser. Sir Patrick Vallance yesterday said he believed the epidemic was doubling every seven days, which would lead to 200 deaths a day by mid-November. The chief scientific adviser stressed that … Read more

‘Don’t tear the pants out of it!’ Government adviser Prof Van-Tam warns not to abuse liberties

England’s deputy chief medical officer today pleaded with Britons ‘not to tear the pants out of’ the loosened lockdown when more freedoms are granted on Monday.   Professor Jonathan Van Tam gave his colourful instruction as sun-seekers today crowded on to the nation’s beaches and warned that abusing new liberties would fuel the spread of infection.  … Read more

Our Girl fans rejoice over Georgie finally getting happy ending with teased Prof romance

Our Girl’s fourth series came to an emotional end on Thursday night, as the final episode starring Michelle Keegan as Georgie Lane aired on BBC One.  And fans were seen rejoicing in their droves on Twitter, as the star’s character seemed to finally get the happy ending she deserved, with the show teasing a romance … Read more