Regional mayor to seek answers over cuts to Covid-19 vaccines supply

The Covid-19 vaccine supply for the region could be cut by as much as a third to allow other parts of the country to catch up and because of national shortages.

The HSJ reported there will be two reductions in the doses being sent to the North West in the first two weeks of next month.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has criticised the move given the toll the novel coronavirus has taken in the city-region.

Mr Burnham tweeted: "I will be asking further questions about this. As one of the hardest-hit regions, I am far from convinced that this is right or fair."

According to NHS England statistics, around 310,000 jabs were administered in the North West in the week up to January 24.

This means the region has vaccinated around 12 per cent of its total population, the second-highest proportion in the country behind the South West.

Last week the North East and Yorkshire had supplies reduced due to the progress being made on vaccinating priority groups.

There have recently been several suggestions that there are significant constraints on vaccine supplies from the manufacturers Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

NHS England’s North West directorate said in a statement: “The North West is being fully supplied with all the vaccinations needed to offer vaccination to everyone across the region aged 70 and above, as well as clinically extremely vulnerable patients, and health and social care staff.”

If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.