Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 1:48 pm on 2 December 2020.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 1:48, 2 December 2020

No, I don't accept the Member's point at all; I think it's hugely important that we are following not just the professional advice but the advice on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. And it's important, again, to note that we're talking about this one vaccine, the Pfizer candidate vaccine that's been approved for supply today, which needs to be stored at -70 degrees centigrade. Then, to take that out, as you transfer it, if it's not in those conditions, it starts to thaw. And the problem there is that there are a limited number of storage facilities, and to transfer it from that storage facility to a centre for distribution and delivery means that it's thawing as you're moving it. If we're then trying to move it to more than 1,000 care homes across Wales, we can't be clear that it will still be effective for use in each of those homes, and it's not something that you can transfer in very small quantities. So, the challenge then is how do we safely deliver this and get it to as many people, in accordance with the priorities that exist. And that's exactly what we're doing.

It's also why I've been clear that the Oxford vaccine has lots of hope invested in it, because if that is approved for supply as well, that is something that you can deliver in a way that we're much more familiar with. So, when I have my flu vaccine, I go to a community pharmacy, I get a jab in the arm, and that's me done. There's not a complicated storage process; it's the same with general practice and others. The Oxford vaccine can be stored and moved in those circumstances, and so certainly that would make a much bigger difference, for not just care home residents, but other housebound groups of people, who will be right at the top of the vulnerability list. It's actually about protecting those people, which is why we've highlighted the practical challenge, and we'll continue to be honest and upfront with people about each of the choices we make.