The queue for a vaccine

SPAIN has announced the next priority groups in line to receive a Covid-19 shot as regions begin to vaccinate the over-80s.

The public health committee of the national healthcare system puts the 60 to 79 age bracket next in line in the queue – those aged between 70 and 79 first, followed by the 60 to 69-year-olds – as well as people aged under 60 with underlying medical conditions.

After the country ruled the AstraZeneca vaccine would not be used on people over 55; it is being given to some 5.1 million essential workers, such as teachers and the police, and will next be given to those aged 45 to 54.
It is unclear at present when the different groups will actually start receiving a jab; the vaccination programme is dependent on the size of shipments arriving in Spain and the ability of the health service to actually get shots in arms.

It is hoped 80% of the over-80s will be vaccinated by the end of March. However, it is hoped one the senior population is immunised the pandemic data will significantly change – at present, eight of every 10 Covid-19 deaths are occurring in the elderly population. Experts believe even if the virus remains in circulation, numbers of fatalities would steeply decline.