The only way we can restore normal social contact is by ensuring the bulk of the population is immune to the virus, meaning it can no longer spread. In fact, a figure of around 70-80% should be sufficient to mean the virus no longer has much opportunity to transmit.

1/5

The main purpose of vaccination, as with ‘flu, is to protect the most vulnerable in the first instance. We can restore a degree of normality once those vulnerable – whether it be through age or underlying condition – are protected via the immunity delivered by the vaccine.

2/5

We do not yet know how long that immunity lasts, and the vaccination does not work for absolutely everyone (it will not work for around 5-10%). This is why we need to get to that 70-80% figure to stop the virus transmitting through the general population at all.

3/5

In other words, by getting the vaccine you are not just protecting yourself *but also others*.

This is why care home workers as well as residents have been vaccinated already – among them, my own daughter.

4/5

The great advantage of the new Oxford/AZ vaccine is it appears to offer even greater protection from even the first jab. The reason for the move towards a greater gap between jabs is it is better to have two people 89% protected than one person 95% and the other not at all.

5/5