/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5fc7e9bad1e54dd941016137/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=5463&cropY1=531&cropY2=3604&w=1200&resize=1200,675&ssl=1 "Boris Johnson May Take Newly Approved Covid Vaccine Live On TV")
Topline
Well in line with his theatrical flare, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson could be injected live on television in a bid to inspire confidence in the newly approved coronavirus vaccine, his press secretary suggested on Wednesday, as countries stress over the potential public response to antidotes produced in record speed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives a flu vaccine in Downing Street on October 14, 2019 in London, … [+]
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Key Facts
Johnson’s Press Secretary Allegra Stratton, speaking to reporters shortly after the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency became the first in the Western world to approve a coronavirus vaccine, left open the possibility that the prime minister may make use of the screen to convince others to get vaccinated.
“We all know the character of the prime minister,” said Stratton, adding about the possibility of taking the vaccine on television: “I don’t think it would be something he would rule out.”
According to Stratton, Johnson plans to “encourage take-up of vaccines across the country” as it prepares to begin distributing doses next week, but would not want to take an injection from someone “who should be getting it before him.”
Johnson, 55, landed in intensive care in April after contracting the virus.
Key Background
After authorizing Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine candidate on Wednesday, the U.K. faced criticism from the European Union whose European Medicines Agency accused the country of prioritizing speed over public confidence by opting to fast-track the approval process. Germany’s health minister Jens Spahn said that Berlin had also considered expediting approval but ultimately decided that it was more important to “create confidence” amid the pandemic: “The idea is not that we’re first, but the idea is to have safe and effective vaccines.” Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted a lack of public confidence and surge in disinformation about the vaccine in the U.K. as “a real cause for concern.” Meanwhile, the U.S. is facing a similar crisis of confidence, with public polling showing—albeit decreasing—trepidation about the vaccine. In a Gallup poll released last month, 58% of the adults surveyed said they would be willing to get the coronavirus vaccine, which is an increase of 8% from September. A Pew Research Center poll released around the same time offered a less rosy prediction of just 51% of adults indicating willingness to take the antidote.
Crucial Quote
In its distribution strategy, the department of Health and Human Services notes that a core part of its plan is engaging with “state, tribal, territorial and local partners, other stakeholders, and the public to communicate public health information around the vaccine and promote vaccine confidence and uptake.”
Tangent
It’s unclear exactly what the Trump administration’s plan is for this “communication,” but The Washington Post highlights that there is roughly $250 million set aside for coronavirus communication by the government.
Further Reading
“Here’s Why The U.K. Beat The U.S. To Approve A Covid-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use” (Forbes)
“UK put speed before public confidence in vaccine, says EU agency” (The Guardian)
“Rapid development of a vaccine won’t ‘help much if people refuse to take it” (The Washington Post)
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