King's Staff Vaccination Volunteers

AstraZeneca vaccine is manufactured by the insertion of viral mRNA into the genome of a virus found in chimpanzees, which then infects cells. With the UK having ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, there are now 25 sites in 15 countries where it is being produced.

The UK is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of the vaccination programme, part of this has been due to the early orders of millions of units of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. As of writing this article, 40.2% of the UK population has been fully vaccinated and 59.9% have had at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination programme started in the UK on 8th December 2020, when Margaret Keenan became the first person in the UK to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (and first in the world to get vaccine as

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was being described as a “game changer” in the vaccination programme as it can be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, therefore making it easy to transport and store at vaccination centres. This is compared to the Pfizer vaccine which must be stored at extremely low temperatures (-60 to -80 degrees Celsius), making it logistically harder to transport and distribute.

Initial studies suggested the Pfizer vaccine had roughly 95% effectiveness and Oxford-AstraZeneca about 70% effectiveness (effectiveness is the ability of the vaccine to protect against the individual from becoming infected). But, as further data has been released, the difference in effectiveness has decreased with the Oxford-AstraZeneca being more effective than originally thought. These figures compared to the flu vaccine which often only is around 60% effective shows the success of the pharmaceutical industry in rapidly creating a COVID-19 vaccine. With the current news of new variants emerging and beginning to circulate in the population, the effectiveness of vaccines is constantly being analysed to examine whether current vaccines help to prevent against viral transmission and infection in the individual.

Research from numerous medical trials has suggested that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the likelihood of serious side effects as extremely low. Therefore, I would encourage anyone who is offered the vaccine to get vaccinated and help in the world’s fight against the virus.

Andrew and Tracy Shean are helping with the deployment of the vaccine.

Andrew is a King's DT Technician, and Tracy previously worked at the King's Reception Desk. Tracy has now left King's to spend more time to volunteer at the vaccination centre.

In February 2021, Tracy wrote this for The King's Spirit:

I have been volunteering at the vaccination centre in Shepton Mallet whilst on furlough. It has been very worthwhile. Initially I started by helping with some pre-screening on the NHS database but have now supported wherever there is the need. I have made sure everyone moves through the vaccination centre as quickly and efficiently as possible. Yesterday I was on car parking duty all in my hi visibility and wet weather layers. There has been so much positive praise from the public. Yesterday, there were many letters and treats of homemade flapjacks, cakes and biscuits which were delivered by the public to say thank you to the volunteers and NHS team. The people I have met have been enthusiastic and inspiring.