NHS warns there will be massive reduction in supply of vaccines

UK's National Health Service announced "a meaningful reduction" in COVID-19 vaccine stores from March 29. It stated that there would be a massive reduction in the weekly supply of vaccines from March 27. "The Government's Vaccines Task Force have now notified us that there will be a significant reduction in weekly supply available from manufacturers beginning in the week commencing March 29, meaning volumes for first doses will be significantly constrained," the NHS said in the letter.Also read:WHO asks countries to keep using Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine"They now predict this will last for a four-week period, as a result of cuts in state inbound vaccines supply."The letter said that treatment stations and stores should close unfilled bookings from March 29.However, UK health minister Matt Hancock said that the nation was on track to meet its target to vaccinate everyone over the age of 50 by mid-April, calling the NHS letter "normal" and "par for the course."Also read: Ireland and Netherlands suspends Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine"These supply schedules have gone up and down throughout the rollout," Hancock said, adding that the UK was "dedicated to all adults being able to get the jab by the end of July."The country has now been highly praised everywhere for its vaccine rollout - having given the first dose to 25 million people.Vaccinations reduce hospitalizations and deathsUK officials said at a press interview that there was evidence from those treated in the people that a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the chance of catching the disease by 60% and reduces hospitalization by 80%.If you live with safe people, you have a 30% lower risk of contracting COVID-19, Hancock said.This explains a decrease in diseases and deaths, said Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at Public Health England."Every day we treat more people, we are assuming more deaths," she said.