this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the uk government says don't book any summer holidaysjust the uk government says don't book any summer holidays just yet. ministers want travel depends on everyone getting a covid—19 jab, including in other countries. i think the british public would expect pretty strong action. we're not talking nowjust about, oh, there's a lot of coronavirus in that country and you might bring some more of it back when we already have plenty of it here. what we're talking about now are the mutations, the variants. starting in the next few minutes, we will be answering your questions about coronavirus vaccines and misinformation in a special programme with the bbc�*s asian network. we will be joined by the

english deputy chief medical officer, jonathan van—tam. please get in touch. uk ministers are due to unveilfurther get in touch. uk ministers are due to unveil further measures to help thousands of people living in buildings deemed unsafe since the grenfell tower disaster. six republican senators join democrats in voting to push ahead with donald trump's impeachment trial. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world — and stay with us for the latest news and analysis from here and across the globe. for the latest news and analysis the for the latest news and analysis uk transport secrt is the uk transport secretary says it is too soon for people to start thinking about booking summer holidays and any changes to restrictions on international travel. we rely on everyone getting a covid vaccine.

hello and welcome to this special edition of the big debate — and your questions answered. i'm qasa alom — and we're live on the bbc asian network, bbc two and the bbc news channel and on bbc world news. i'm clive myrie and as concerns grow over the hesitancy of some people in the black and asian communities to have the covid—19 vaccine, we'll be answering your questions this hour on misinformation, concerns over the vaccine and what's behind the apparent low take up. and i'm pleased to say that we're joined by the deputy chief medical officer for england, professor jonathan van—tam. welcome to the bbc. good to see you. if you've got a question for him, get in touch using the hashtag bbcyourquestions on social media, or email us at

yourquestions@bbc. co. uk. we can get straight into it. our first question is from francis osinloye, who is 25 years old, a development producer from osinloye, who is 25 years old, a development producerfrom london. over to you. development producer from london. over to vom— over to you. hello and thank you. good morning- — over to you. hello and thank you. good morning. my _ over to you. hello and thank you. good morning. my question - over to you. hello and thank you. good morning. my question is - over to you. hello and thank you. i good morning. my question is really more _ good morning. my question is really more of— good morning. my question is really more of a _ good morning. my question is really more of a follow—up _ good morning. my question is really more of a follow—up on _ good morning. my question is really more of a follow—up on the - more of a follow—up on the headlines _ more of a follow—up on the headlines. i— more of a follow—up on the headlines. i wanted - more of a follow—up on the headlines. i wanted to - more of a follow—up on thel headlines. i wanted to know more of a follow—up on the - headlines. i wanted to know whether the vaccine _ headlines. i wanted to know whether the vaccine will _ headlines. i wanted to know whether the vaccine will be _ headlines. i wanted to know whether the vaccine will be something - headlines. i wanted to know whether the vaccine will be something that i the vaccine will be something that is mandatory— the vaccine will be something that is mandatory going _ the vaccine will be something that is mandatory going forward - the vaccine will be something that is mandatory going forward downl the vaccine will be something that i is mandatory going forward down the line, is mandatory going forward down the line. particularly— is mandatory going forward down the line, particularly in— is mandatory going forward down the line, particularly in the _ is mandatory going forward down the line, particularly in the areas - is mandatory going forward down the line, particularly in the areas of- line, particularly in the areas of travel— line, particularly in the areas of travel and — line, particularly in the areas of travel and employment? - line, particularly in the areas of travel and employment? will. line, particularly in the areas of travel and employment? will it| line, particularly in the areas of. travel and employment? will it be something — travel and employment? will it be something that _ travel and employment? will it be something that is _ travel and employment? will it be something that is mandatory- travel and employment? will it be something that is mandatory for. something that is mandatory for citizens— something that is mandatory for citizens for — something that is mandatory for citizens for those _ something that is mandatory for. citizens for those aforementioned things? _ citizens for those aforementioned thins? ., ~ citizens for those aforementioned thins? . ~' ,, citizens for those aforementioned thins? . ~ ., citizens for those aforementioned thins? ., ., , ., things? thank you for the question. the truth is, — things? thank you for the question. the truth is, in _ things? thank you for the question. the truth is, in the _ things? thank you for the question. the truth is, in the uk, _ things? thank you for the question. the truth is, in the uk, we - things? thank you for the question. the truth is, in the uk, we have - the truth is, in the uk, we have never— the truth is, in the uk, we have never mandated vaccines. it is not something — never mandated vaccines. it is not something we have ever done and i don't _ something we have ever done and i don't think— something we have ever done and i don't think therefore we have a

culture — don't think therefore we have a culture of— don't think therefore we have a culture of it. but your question is about— culture of it. but your question is about travel and covid—19 vaccines. whiist _ about travel and covid—19 vaccines. whiist i _ about travel and covid—19 vaccines. whilst i have laid out the british position. — whilst i have laid out the british position, that we normally take with vaccines, _ position, that we normally take with vaccines, i_ position, that we normally take with vaccines, i can't tell you how other countries _ vaccines, i can't tell you how other countries are — vaccines, i can't tell you how other countries are going to react to us. react _ countries are going to react to us. react to— countries are going to react to us. react to the — countries are going to react to us. react to the idea of international travel— react to the idea of international travel in — react to the idea of international travel in the kind of post covid pandemic— travel in the kind of post covid pandemic world. and whether in fact other— pandemic world. and whether in fact other countries will themselves insist— other countries will themselves insist that the visitors are vaccinated. i don't know the answer to that, _ vaccinated. i don't know the answer to that, and — vaccinated. i don't know the answer to that, and i— vaccinated. i don't know the answer to that, and i don't think other countries — to that, and i don't think other countries yet know the answer to that _ countries yet know the answer to that much— countries yet know the answer to that. much as i would like to give you the _ that. much as i would like to give you the clear steer, i don't think i can _ you the clear steer, i don't think i can but — you the clear steer, i don't think i can but i — you the clear steer, i don't think i can but i can— you the clear steer, i don't think i can. but i can see it is certainly plausible — can. but i can see it is certainly plausible that people will start to frame _ plausible that people will start to frame the things that way. that's really. _ frame the things that way. that's really. at — frame the things that way. that's really, at the moment, as i said in the introductory comments, about the

presence _ the introductory comments, about the presence of— the introductory comments, about the presence of new variants, the effect of vaccines, — presence of new variants, the effect of vaccines, and how people are very cautious— of vaccines, and how people are very cautious at— of vaccines, and how people are very cautious at the moment about new variants _ cautious at the moment about new variants and whether they can take hold around the world.— hold around the world. professor, ou hold around the world. professor, you mentioned — hold around the world. professor, you mentioned that _ hold around the world. professor, you mentioned that we _ hold around the world. professor, you mentioned that we have - hold around the world. professor, | you mentioned that we have never mandated vaccines here in this country, but these are unprecedented times. also, a lot of people have been suggesting that there have been numbers that are lower than we expected from certain minorities and certain communities in the uptake of vaccines as well. if we did make it something mandatory, wouldn't that help to address the issue of low vaccine uptake for certain groups? while it sounds very attractive on the face — while it sounds very attractive on the face of— while it sounds very attractive on the face of it to make something mandatory, what you do is you create resistance _ mandatory, what you do is you create resistance i— mandatory, what you do is you create resistance. i would mandatory, what you do is you create resistance. iwould much mandatory, what you do is you create resistance. i would much rather a world _ resistance. i would much rather a world where people understand the

value _ world where people understand the value of— world where people understand the value of vaccines and understand that we _ value of vaccines and understand that we have a system in the uk where _ that we have a system in the uk where we — that we have a system in the uk where we receive recommendations from an— where we receive recommendations from an independent committee, the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation and we follow those, and that— immunisation and we follow those, and that committee makes those decisions — and that committee makes those decisions in the best interests of patients— decisions in the best interests of patients and the best interests of public— patients and the best interests of public health. sol patients and the best interests of public health. so i think that's the i’ili'it public health. so i think that's the right way— public health. so i think that's the right way to go, to do it on the grounds — right way to go, to do it on the grounds of— right way to go, to do it on the grounds of clinical and public health— grounds of clinical and public health need, not on the grounds of forcing _ health need, not on the grounds of forcing people to do it. now, i think— forcing people to do it. now, i think your— forcing people to do it. now, i think your right to raise the fact that we — think your right to raise the fact that we do— think your right to raise the fact that we do have concerns, i have concerns, — that we do have concerns, i have concerns, that uptake in the minority— concerns, that uptake in the minority ethnic groups is not going to be _ minority ethnic groups is not going to be as _ minority ethnic groups is not going to be as rapid or as high as in the indigenous — to be as rapid or as high as in the indigenous white population of the uk. indigenous white population of the uk and _ indigenous white population of the uk. and this really concerns me because — uk. and this really concerns me

because the big message i have for everyone _ because the big message i have for everyone listening is that this virus — everyone listening is that this virusiust_ everyone listening is that this virusjust doesn't care everyone listening is that this virus just doesn't care what ethnic background you are from. it doesn't care about — background you are from. it doesn't care about the colour of your skin, where _ care about the colour of your skin, where you — care about the colour of your skin, where you live in the world, or any of these _ where you live in the world, or any of these things. it just cares that you are _ of these things. it just cares that you are a — of these things. it just cares that you are a human being, you don't have _ you are a human being, you don't have immunity and you are susceptible. this is really worrying and it's— susceptible. this is really worrying and it's a _ susceptible. this is really worrying and it's a massive concern to people who are _ and it's a massive concern to people who are older and have high—risk conditions — who are older and have high—risk conditions. the virusjust doesn't discriminate. conditions. the virus 'ust doesn't discriminateh discriminate. thank you for that . uestion. we can now move on to pravina pathmanathan, a 26—year—old ben gallie and tamil analyst from ilford. . it gallie and tamil analyst from ilford. . ., , gallie and tamil analyst from ilford. . .,, , gallie and tamil analyst from ilford.. , , ., ilford. . it has been shown the oxford vaccine _ ilford. . it has been shown the oxford vaccine might - ilford. . it has been shown the oxford vaccine might only - ilford. . it has been shown the | oxford vaccine might only have ilford. . it has been shown the i oxford vaccine might only have a ilford. . it has been shown the - oxford vaccine might only have a 1096 oxford vaccine might only have a 10% efficacy— oxford vaccine might only have a 10% efficacv against — oxford vaccine might only have a 10% efficacy against the _ oxford vaccine might only have a 10% efficacy against the south _ oxford vaccine might only have a 10% efficacy against the south african - efficacy against the south african strain~ _ efficacy against the south african

strain. �* , �* strain. inaudible i strain. inaudible i miss _ strain. inaudible i miss the - strain. inaudible i miss the last - strain. inaudible i miss the last bit| strain. inaudible | i miss the last bit of strain. inaudible - i miss the last bit of your question. i will come i miss the last bit of your question. iwill come back i miss the last bit of your question. i will come back to it. the first— question. i will come back to it. the first thing is, there is now a study— the first thing is, there is now a study that— the first thing is, there is now a study that is from south africa that relates _ study that is from south africa that relates to — study that is from south africa that relates to the astrazeneca vaccine that has _ relates to the astrazeneca vaccine that has not yet been peer reviewed but is _ that has not yet been peer reviewed but is on _ that has not yet been peer reviewed but is on the print service, which shows— but is on the print service, which shows there is relatively low protection against infection in a particularly young population in south _ particularly young population in south africa. the measurement was of mild disease. i haven't heard the 10% figure — mild disease. i haven't heard the 10% figure you have referred to, nothing — 10% figure you have referred to, nothing that low. yes, that study exists. _ nothing that low. yes, that study exists. and — nothing that low. yes, that study exists, and be very cautious in how you interpret it. i am not sure that

really _ you interpret it. i am not sure that really teiis — you interpret it. i am not sure that really tells us about whether the vaccine — really tells us about whether the vaccine is — really tells us about whether the vaccine is still going to be really important — vaccine is still going to be really important in terms of protection against — important in terms of protection against severe disease and protection in the older age group. they— protection in the older age group. they are — protection in the older age group. they are the people most at risk. it would _ they are the people most at risk. it would be _ they are the people most at risk. it would be a — they are the people most at risk. it would be a very big public health win indeed if all the vaccines we are deploying simply stop people going _ are deploying simply stop people going into hospital, even if they don't _ going into hospital, even if they don't flatten the infection rate. that— don't flatten the infection rate. that would be a major public health victorv _ that would be a major public health victory. and finally, the study you have _ victory. and finally, the study you have seen — victory. and finally, the study you have seen relates to the south african — have seen relates to the south african variant. there are really very— african variant. there are really very low — african variant. there are really very low numbers of identified south african _ very low numbers of identified south african variant cases in the uk at the moment. it is less than 200. from _ the moment. it is less than 200. from that — the moment. it is less than 200. from that perspective, it's not our major— from that perspective, it's not our major threat right now. the thing that will— major threat right now. the thing that will kill people in the next one or— that will kill people in the next one or two months in the uk, is the

problem _ one or two months in the uk, is the problem we — one or two months in the uk, is the problem we have with our own circulating virus, which is the kent variant, _ circulating virus, which is the kent variant, as — circulating virus, which is the kent variant, as we now know it. we have good _ variant, as we now know it. we have good data _ variant, as we now know it. we have good data now that the vaccines are very effective against the kent variant~ — very effective against the kent variant. from that perspective, i think— variant. from that perspective, i think it's — variant. from that perspective, i think it's not today's problem, the south _ think it's not today's problem, the south african variant. but you also asked _ south african variant. but you also asked a _ south african variant. but you also asked a question about whether we will be _ asked a question about whether we will be in _ asked a question about whether we will be in a — asked a question about whether we will be in a position where, as the virus _ will be in a position where, as the virus changes, we are likely going to have _ virus changes, we are likely going to have to— virus changes, we are likely going to have to change the vaccine to match _ to have to change the vaccine to match it — to have to change the vaccine to match it over time, and to revaccinate, probably the most high-risk— revaccinate, probably the most high—risk populations. and i think that's— high—risk populations. and i think that's right. i think it's the likely, _ that's right. i think it's the likely, not totally assured, but that is — likely, not totally assured, but that is the likely future. it may well— that is the likely future. it may well look— that is the likely future. it may well look like the annual influenza programme as things settle down over a period _ programme as things settle down over a period of— programme as things settle down over a period of years. the

programme as things settle down over a period of years— a period of years. the fact is, professor. — a period of years. the fact is, professor, that _ a period of years. the fact is, professor, that the _ a period of years. the fact is, professor, that the longer- a period of years. the fact is, | professor, that the longer the a period of years. the fact is, - professor, that the longer the virus is out there, the more mutations and strains we will get. so this will be a fact of life for us for some time. yes, i think that's true, but please remember— yes, i think that's true, but please remember there yes, i think that's true, but please rememberthere are, if yes, i think that's true, but please remember there are, if not hundreds, probably— remember there are, if not hundreds, probably thousands of mutations of covid-19 _ probably thousands of mutations of covid—19 already. and most of them are insignificant, and most of them do not _ are insignificant, and most of them do not give — are insignificant, and most of them do not give the virus any kind of advantage — do not give the virus any kind of advantage at all. we will be looking out for _ advantage at all. we will be looking out for the — advantage at all. we will be looking out for the ones that materially change — out for the ones that materially change what we would call the public health _ change what we would call the public health risk _ change what we would call the public health risk. the uk is really in an incredibly— health risk. the uk is really in an incredibly strong position in terms of the _ incredibly strong position in terms of the quality and the amount of genomics — of the quality and the amount of genomics sequencing it can do to pick up _ genomics sequencing it can do to pick up these new variants and spot them _ pick up these new variants and spot them earlv — you are listening to the asian network and bbc news channel. this

is a special programme getting your questions answered by professor jonathan van—tam. let's go now to a labour party activist from manchester, 18 years old, someone who works with young people in the city and wants to ask you a question. overto city and wants to ask you a question. over to you. hello. thank ou and question. over to you. hello. thank you and good _ question. over to you. hello. thank you and good morning. _ question. over to you. hello. thank you and good morning. my - question. over to you. hello. thankj you and good morning. my question is, what _ you and good morning. my question is, what is _ you and good morning. my question is, what is the — you and good morning. my question is, what is the government- you and good morning. my question is, what is the government doing i you and good morning. my question is, what is the government doing to| is, what is the government doing to ensure _ is, what is the government doing to ensure the — is, what is the government doing to ensure the vaccine _ is, what is the government doing to ensure the vaccine is _ is, what is the government doing to ensure the vaccine is safe _ is, what is the government doing to ensure the vaccine is safe for - ensure the vaccine is safe for everyone. _ ensure the vaccine is safe for everyone, especially- ensure the vaccine is safe for everyone, especially those i ensure the vaccine is safe for - everyone, especially those among the black. _ everyone, especially those among the black. asian— everyone, especially those among the black, asian and _ everyone, especially those among the black, asian and minority _ everyone, especially those among the black, asian and minority ethnic - black, asian and minority ethnic community? _ black, asian and minority ethnic community?— black, asian and minority ethnic community? black, asian and minority ethnic communi ? ., ., , ., ., community? the government has done a ureat deal to community? the government has done a great deal to make _ community? the government has done a great deal to make sure _ community? the government has done a great deal to make sure the _ community? the government has done a great deal to make sure the vaccine - great deal to make sure the vaccine is safe _ great deal to make sure the vaccine is safe. both vaccines we are using have _ is safe. both vaccines we are using have been— is safe. both vaccines we are using have been approved by the independent regulator, the mhra, who work independently and give their own opinion about whether vaccines are suitable in terms of safety, in terms _ are suitable in terms of safety, in terms of— are suitable in terms of safety, in terms of effectiveness and in terms of the _ terms of effectiveness and in terms of the quality of the manufacture.

and they — of the quality of the manufacture. and they have looked at all the available — and they have looked at all the available data around the world and they monitor the safety of those vaccines — they monitor the safety of those vaccines honestly on a daily basis. there _ vaccines honestly on a daily basis. there is— vaccines honestly on a daily basis. there is a — vaccines honestly on a daily basis. there is a system called the yellow card system, which anybody can use. if card system, which anybody can use. if you _ card system, which anybody can use. if you google mhra yellow card then you can _ if you google mhra yellow card then you can find that for yourself. if you can find that for yourself. if you have — you can find that for yourself. if you have a _ you can find that for yourself. if you have a vaccine, notjust... or even _ you have a vaccine, notjust... or even a _ you have a vaccine, notjust... or even a medicine, any kind of pharmaceutical used in the uk, if you have — pharmaceutical used in the uk, if you have it— pharmaceutical used in the uk, if you have it and you think you have had some — you have it and you think you have had some kind of reaction or side effect _ had some kind of reaction or side effect to— had some kind of reaction or side effect to it. — had some kind of reaction or side effect to it, you can report that on the yellow — effect to it, you can report that on the yellow card system. that is being _ the yellow card system. that is being done every single day spontaneously by the public in relation — spontaneously by the public in relation to the covid—19 vaccines we have deployed. we are well over the 12 million— have deployed. we are well over the 12 million mark now in terms of vaccines— 12 million mark now in terms of vaccines we _ 12 million mark now in terms of vaccines we have deployed. we are getting _ vaccines we have deployed. we are getting to — vaccines we have deployed. we are getting to a point where if we are going _ getting to a point where if we are going to — getting to a point where if we are going to see any kind of safety signal— going to see any kind of safety signal it— going to see any kind of safety signal it would be pretty obvious by

now _ signal it would be pretty obvious by now these — signal it would be pretty obvious by now. these data are shown to us, the mhra— now. these data are shown to us, the mhra monitor them and the mhra have published _ mhra monitor them and the mhra have published them. you can find those on the _ published them. you can find those on the mhra website, and there is really— on the mhra website, and there is really very— on the mhra website, and there is really very reassuring signal right across _ really very reassuring signal right across the — really very reassuring signal right across the board in terms of both vaccines— across the board in terms of both vaccines we — across the board in terms of both vaccines we employed to date. you mention there _ vaccines we employed to date. gm. mention there that 12 million people have now taken the vaccine. how many of those are from a bame background? why aren't stats being published to show how many people from each ethnic minority background are taking this vaccine? i ethnic minority background are taking this vaccine?— ethnic minority background are taking this vaccine? i think they are very difficult _ taking this vaccine? i think they are very difficult data _ taking this vaccine? i think they are very difficult data to - taking this vaccine? i think they j are very difficult data to gather. sorry. _ are very difficult data to gather. sorry. why _ are very difficult data to gather. sorry, why is it difficult to gather? you have a register, and everybody�*s details are being taken when they have a vaccine. ethnicity

data is being collected. you when they have a vaccine. ethnicity data is being collected.— data is being collected. you are riaht, data is being collected. you are right. but _ data is being collected. you are right. but it _ data is being collected. you are right, but it does _ data is being collected. you are right, but it does take - data is being collected. you are right, but it does take time - data is being collected. you are right, but it does take time to l right, but it does take time to collate — right, but it does take time to collate it— right, but it does take time to collate it and be sure of the signals _ collate it and be sure of the signals contained within it. i am sure _ signals contained within it. i am sure that — signals contained within it. i am sure that will be forthcoming in due course _ sure that will be forthcoming in due course but— sure that will be forthcoming in due course. but i do have some personal concerns _ course. but i do have some personal concerns that uptake will be lower in the _ concerns that uptake will be lower in the ethnic minority groups. i am concerned — in the ethnic minority groups. i am concerned about that because the virus _ concerned about that because the virusjust— concerned about that because the virusjust doesn't concerned about that because the virus just doesn't discriminate. thank— virus just doesn't discriminate. thank you _ virus just doesn't discriminate. thank you for that. we can go to julie vincent, from weston—super—mare, an nhs work at a covid vaccine clinic. she is currently isolating. she received the pfizerjabeur onjanuary currently isolating. she received the pfizerjabeur on january seven and tested positive for coronavirus on february five. . brute and tested positive for coronavirus on february five. ._ and tested positive for coronavirus on february five. . we are going on about astrazeneca _ on february five. . we are going on about astrazeneca not _ on february five. . we are going on about astrazeneca not working - about astrazeneca not working against — about astrazeneca not working against variance. _ about astrazeneca not working against variance. and - about astrazeneca not working against variance. and to - about astrazeneca not working against variance. and to a - about astrazeneca not working i against variance. and to a degree about astrazeneca not working - against variance. and to a degree my pfiler— against variance. and to a degree my pfizer hasn't — against variance. and to a degree my pfizer hasn't worked _ against variance. and to a degree my pfizer hasn't worked against - against variance. and to a degree my pfizer hasn't worked against the - pfizer hasn't worked against the variance — pfizer hasn't worked against the variance what's _ pfizer hasn't worked against the variance what's out _ pfizer hasn't worked against the

variance what's out there. - pfizer hasn't worked against the variance what's out there. are l pfizer hasn't worked against the i variance what's out there. are we leaving _ variance what's out there. are we leaving nhs — variance what's out there. are we leaving nhs workers _ variance what's out there. are we leaving nhs workers and - variance what's out there. are we leaving nhs workers and front. variance what's out there. are we | leaving nhs workers and front line workers _ leaving nhs workers and front line workers susceptible _ leaving nhs workers and front line workers susceptible to _ leaving nhs workers and front line workers susceptible to getting - workers susceptible to getting coronavirus _ workers susceptible to getting coronavirus because _ workers susceptible to getting coronavirus because we - workers susceptible to getting coronavirus because we are i workers susceptible to getting l coronavirus because we are not immunising _ coronavirus because we are not immunising them _ coronavirus because we are not immunising them in _ coronavirus because we are not immunising them in the - coronavirus because we are not immunising them in the three i coronavirus because we are not - immunising them in the three weeks? in a immunising them in the three weeks? in a way— immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i_ immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i agree — immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i agree with— immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i agree with it _ immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i agree with it because - immunising them in the three weeks? in a way i agree with it because we - in a way i agree with it because we want _ in a way i agree with it because we want as— in a way i agree with it because we want as many— in a way i agree with it because we want as many people _ in a way i agree with it because we want as many people immunised l in a way i agree with it because wel want as many people immunised as possible _ want as many people immunised as possible but— want as many people immunised as possible but obviously— want as many people immunised as possible but obviously we _ want as many people immunised as possible but obviously we can - possible but obviously we can shelter — possible but obviously we can shelter but _ possible but obviously we can shelter but we _ possible but obviously we can shelter but we have _ possible but obviously we can shelter but we have to - possible but obviously we can shelter but we have to go - possible but obviously we can shelter but we have to go to i possible but obviously we can - shelter but we have to go to work. therefore. — shelter but we have to go to work. therefore. are _ shelter but we have to go to work. therefore, are we _ shelter but we have to go to work. therefore, are we more _ shelter but we have to go to work. therefore, are we more prone - shelter but we have to go to work. therefore, are we more prone to i therefore, are we more prone to getting _ therefore, are we more prone to getting it — therefore, are we more prone to getting it by— therefore, are we more prone to getting it by leaving _ therefore, are we more prone to getting it by leaving at _ therefore, are we more prone to getting it by leaving at 12 - therefore, are we more prone to| getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, _ getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i_ getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i had — getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i had no— getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i had no symptoms - getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i had no symptoms and - getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? also, i had no symptoms and thej getting it by leaving at 12 weeks? - also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i_ also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i was— also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i was doing _ also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i was doing at _ also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i was doing at work _ also, i had no symptoms and the flow tests i was doing at work were - tests i was doing at work were negative _ tests i was doing at work were negative is— tests i was doing at work were negative is it— tests i was doing at work were negative. is it because - tests i was doing at work were negative. is it because it- tests i was doing at work were negative. is it because it is- negative. is it because it is mutating _ negative. is it because it is mutating and _ negative. is it because it is mutating and are - negative. is it because it is mutating and are there - negative. is it because it is- mutating and are there different symptoms? _ mutating and are there different symptoms?— mutating and are there different s m toms? , ., ., symptoms? there is a lot in there! that's quite _ symptoms? there is a lot in there! that's quite a _ symptoms? there is a lot in there! that's quite a complex _ symptoms? there is a lot in there! that's quite a complex case - symptoms? there is a lot in there! that's quite a complex case will. that's quite a complex case will stop— that's quite a complex case will stop i_ that's quite a complex case will stop i will— that's quite a complex case will stop i will try to unpick it for you — stop i will try to unpick it for you the _ stop i will try to unpick it for you. the first thing you said was, we are _ you. the first thing you said was, we are talking about the astrazeneca vaccine _ we are talking about the astrazeneca vaccine not _ we are talking about the astrazeneca vaccine not working against the variant — vaccine not working against the variant i— vaccine not working against the variant. i wasn't talking about that —

variant. i wasn't talking about that i— variant. i wasn't talking about that i was _ variant. i wasn't talking about that. i was talking about the astrazeneca vaccine showing lower efficacy— astrazeneca vaccine showing lower efficacy against infection in a younger— efficacy against infection in a younger population in south africa to a variant — younger population in south africa to a variant that is very dominant in south — to a variant that is very dominant in south africa but absolutely not dominant — in south africa but absolutely not dominant here. i hope i was quite clear— dominant here. i hope i was quite clear that — dominant here. i hope i was quite clear that i — dominant here. i hope i was quite clear that i am judging effectiveness about keeping people out of _ effectiveness about keeping people out of hospital and avoiding severe disease _ out of hospital and avoiding severe disease i— out of hospital and avoiding severe disease. i think the vaccines are going _ disease. i think the vaccines are going to — disease. i think the vaccines are going to work for that. i know you raise _ going to work for that. i know you raise lots— going to work for that. i know you raise lots of— going to work for that. i know you raise lots of other things. remind me, raise lots of other things. remind me. if— raise lots of other things. remind me. if i_ raise lots of other things. remind me, if i have missed any of them. the next — me, if i have missed any of them. the next one _ me, if i have missed any of them. the next one is that you had a first dose _ the next one is that you had a first dose of _ the next one is that you had a first dose of the — the next one is that you had a first dose of the pfizer on the 7th of january. — dose of the pfizer on the 7th of january. i— dose of the pfizer on the 7th of january, i think you said.- dose of the pfizer on the 7th of january, i think you said. yes. and ou are january, i think you said. yes. and you are off— january, i think you said. yes. and you are off work _ january, i think you said. yes. and you are off work because you have coronavirus? | you are off work because you have coronavirus?— coronavirus? itested positive, i had five days — coronavirus? itested positive, i had five days of _ coronavirus? itested positive, i had five days of thinking - coronavirus? itested positive, i had five days of thinking i - coronavirus? itested positive, i

had five days of thinking i had i coronavirus? itested positive, i had five days of thinking i had a| had five days of thinking i had a bad cold~ — had five days of thinking i had a bad cold. . . had five days of thinking i had a bad cold. . , ., ., , bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it is 'ust bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it isjust a — bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it isjust a case — bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it isjust a case in _ bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it isjust a case in point _ bad cold. that is unfortunate, but it isjust a case in point that - it isjust a case in point that vaccines— it isjust a case in point that vaccines are never 100% effective. although _ vaccines are never 100% effective. although you are unfortunately one of the _ although you are unfortunately one of the people who has caught coronavirus, there are many, many, many— coronavirus, there are many, many, many more — coronavirus, there are many, many, many more people in your position, who without — many more people in your position, who without the vaccine would have caught _ who without the vaccine would have caught coronavirus, and because they have had _ caught coronavirus, and because they have had the vaccine, now haven't caught _ have had the vaccine, now haven't caught the — have had the vaccine, now haven't caught the virus. we are hoping there _ caught the virus. we are hoping there will— caught the virus. we are hoping there will be data coming out soon that makes that point pretty clearly _ that makes that point pretty clearly. the next thing is to say, you said — clearly. the next thing is to say, you said the _ clearly. the next thing is to say, you said the lateral flow test failed — you said the lateral flow test failed to— you said the lateral flow test failed to pick up your infection. but obviously a pcr did. that's one of the _ but obviously a pcr did. that's one of the things about lateral flow tests. — of the things about lateral flow tests, they are not as sensitive as

pcr but— tests, they are not as sensitive as pcr but we — tests, they are not as sensitive as pcr but we do know they are pretty -ood pcr but we do know they are pretty good at _ pcr but we do know they are pretty good at picking out people who are infectious — good at picking out people who are infectious to others. and so, if you had a _ infectious to others. and so, if you had a very— infectious to others. and so, if you had a very low virus load, lateral flow might — had a very low virus load, lateral flow might be negative. you just said to _ flow might be negative. you just said to me, i think you said, but it was a _ said to me, i think you said, but it was a complex question you gave me. ithink— was a complex question you gave me. i think you _ was a complex question you gave me. i think you said you haven't got many— i think you said you haven't got many symptoms. | i think you said you haven't got many symptoms-— i think you said you haven't got many symptoms. i had a very bad cold. it wasn't _ many symptoms. i had a very bad cold. it wasn't until _ many symptoms. i had a very bad cold. it wasn't until the _ many symptoms. i had a very bad cold. it wasn't until the fourth - many symptoms. i had a very bad| cold. it wasn't until the fourth day of the _ cold. it wasn't until the fourth day of the evening _ cold. it wasn't until the fourth day of the evening that _ cold. it wasn't until the fourth day of the evening that i _ cold. it wasn't until the fourth day of the evening that i started - of the evening that i started coughing _ of the evening that i started coughing and _ of the evening that i started coughing and thought - of the evening that i started coughing and thought i - of the evening that i started. coughing and thought i would of the evening that i started - coughing and thought i would get tested _ coughing and thought i would get tested to— coughing and thought i would get tested to be _ coughing and thought i would get tested to be safe. _ coughing and thought i would get tested to be safe. it— coughing and thought i would get tested to be safe. it was- coughing and thought i would get tested to be safe. it was on- coughing and thought i would get tested to be safe. it was on the i tested to be safe. it was on the fifth day— tested to be safe. it was on the fifth day when _ tested to be safe. it was on the fifth day when the _ tested to be safe. it was on the fifth day when the results - tested to be safe. it was on the| fifth day when the results came, tested to be safe. it was on the . fifth day when the results came, i thought— fifth day when the results came, i thought i— fifth day when the results came, i thought i would _ fifth day when the results came, i thought i would do— fifth day when the results came, i thought i would do a _ fifth day when the results came, i thought i would do a lateral- fifth day when the results came, i thought i would do a lateral flowl thought i would do a lateral flow test. _ thought i would do a lateral flow test. i_ thought i would do a lateral flow test. i did — thought i would do a lateral flow test, i did another— thought i would do a lateral flow test, i did another one, - thought i would do a lateral flow test, i did another one, and - thought i would do a lateral flow test, i did another one, and that one on— test, i did another one, and that one on the — test, i did another one, and that one on the fifth _ test, i did another one, and that one on the fifth day— test, i did another one, and that one on the fifth day showed - one on the fifth day showed positive _ one on the fifth day showed positive. but _ one on the fifth day showed positive. but for— one on the fifth day showed positive. but for four- one on the fifth day showed positive. but for four days i| one on the fifth day showed - positive. but for four days i was going _ positive. but for four days i was going around _ positive. but for four days i was going around sneezing - positive. but for four days i was going around sneezing with - positive. but for four days i was going around sneezing with a i positive. but for four days i was . going around sneezing with a runny noses— going around sneezing with a runny noses and — going around sneezing with a runny noses and i— going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put— going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put it _ going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put it down _ going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put it down to - going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put it down to a - going around sneezing with a runny noses and i put it down to a bad . noses and i put it down to a bad cold~ _ noses and i put it down to a bad cold i_ noses and i put it down to a bad cold~ i am — noses and i put it down to a bad cold. i am worried _ noses and i put it down to a bad cold. i am worried there - noses and i put it down to a bad cold. i am worried there are - noses and i put it down to a bad . cold. i am worried there are people with covid — cold. i am worried there are people with covid colds _ cold. i am worried there are people with covid colds walking _ cold. i am worried there are people with covid colds walking around - cold. i am worried there are people| with covid colds walking around and not realising — with covid colds walking around and not realising they— with covid colds walking around and not realising they have _ with covid colds walking around and not realising they have the - not realising they have the

symptoms _ not realising they have the symptoms i— not realising they have the symptoms. i made - not realising they have the symptoms. i made sure i. not realising they have the - symptoms. i made sure i could not realising they have the _ symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste _ symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste by— symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste by putting _ symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste by putting perfume - symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste by putting perfume on - symptoms. i made sure i could smell and taste by putting perfume on and i and taste by putting perfume on and cooking _ and taste by putting perfume on and cooking apple — and taste by putting perfume on and cooking apple and _ and taste by putting perfume on and cooking apple and cinnamon. - and taste by putting perfume on and cooking apple and cinnamon. those i cooking apple and cinnamon. those other— cooking apple and cinnamon. those other symptoms _ cooking apple and cinnamon. those other symptoms do _ cooking apple and cinnamon. those other symptoms do not _ cooking apple and cinnamon. those other symptoms do not appear- cooking apple and cinnamon. those| other symptoms do not appear until late in— other symptoms do not appear until late in the _ other symptoms do not appear until late in the infection. _ other symptoms do not appear until late in the infection. the?— other symptoms do not appear until late in the infection.— late in the infection. they were . uite late in the infection. they were quite mild _ late in the infection. they were quite mild symptoms _ late in the infection. they were quite mild symptoms and - late in the infection. they were quite mild symptoms and that| late in the infection. they were - quite mild symptoms and that might be the _ quite mild symptoms and that might be the fact the vaccine has given you a _ be the fact the vaccine has given you a more — be the fact the vaccine has given you a more mild illness, allowed you to have _ you a more mild illness, allowed you to have a _ you a more mild illness, allowed you to have a more mild illness than you would _ to have a more mild illness than you would have — to have a more mild illness than you would have had without it. back to my point. — would have had without it. back to my point. i— would have had without it. back to my point, i believe these vaccines will avoid — my point, i believe these vaccines will avoid serious illness. professor, you said a little earlier, and in a recent press conference, that the kent variant would be the dominant strain here. what do you base that on and why are you so convinced the south african strain is not going to become a big problem? i strain is not going to become a big roblem? �* , problem? i didn't say the kent strain would _ problem? i didn't say the kent strain would be _ problem? i didn't say the kent strain would be the _ problem? i didn't say the kent strain would be the dominantl problem? i didn't say the kent - strain would be the dominant strain. i strain would be the dominant strain. i said _ strain would be the dominant strain. i said it _ strain would be the dominant strain. i said it is _ strain would be the dominant strain. i said it is the dominant strain. as far as _ i said it is the dominant strain. as far as the — i said it is the dominant strain. as far as the testing and sequencing goes. _ far as the testing and sequencing goes. it— far as the testing and sequencing goes. it is— far as the testing and sequencing goes, it is over 90% of our cases that— goes, it is over 90% of our cases that are — goes, it is over 90% of our cases

that are now— goes, it is over 90% of our cases that are now from that variant that was first _ that are now from that variant that was first identified in kent. now, the reason — was first identified in kent. now, the reason i said the south african variant— the reason i said the south african variant was— the reason i said the south african variant was not of concern, or unlikely— variant was not of concern, or unlikely to _ variant was not of concern, or unlikely to take over in the next few months, is because the rate of growth _ few months, is because the rate of growth of— few months, is because the rate of growth of the south african variant, as far— growth of the south african variant, as far as— growth of the south african variant, as far as we — growth of the south african variant, as far as we are monitoring it, and remember— as far as we are monitoring it, and rememberi— as far as we are monitoring it, and remember i gave you a figure earlier of significantly under 200 cases that we — of significantly under 200 cases that we know about, it is not overtaking. let me do it this way, if you _ overtaking. let me do it this way, if you are — overtaking. let me do it this way, if you are running a bath and you have _ if you are running a bath and you have the — if you are running a bath and you have the hot water tap on, and you add in _ have the hot water tap on, and you add in a _ have the hot water tap on, and you add in a very— have the hot water tap on, and you add in a very small amount of cold water. _ add in a very small amount of cold water. so — add in a very small amount of cold water, so the cold tap is running as well. _ water, so the cold tap is running as well. but _ water, so the cold tap is running as well. but at — water, so the cold tap is running as well. but at a — water, so the cold tap is running as well, but at a low volume, your bath water _ well, but at a low volume, your bath water is _ well, but at a low volume, your bath water is basically going to remain hot. water is basically going to remain hot~ it— water is basically going to remain hot it is—

water is basically going to remain hot. it is only if that cold tap was gushing — hot. it is only if that cold tap was gushing much more than the hot tap, would _ gushing much more than the hot tap, would the _ gushing much more than the hot tap, would the cold war take over. that's probably— would the cold war take over. that's probably the best analogy i can give _ probably the best analogy i can give -- — probably the best analogy i can give. —— the cold water take over. the south — give. —— the cold water take over. the south african variant is not running — the south african variant is not running up _ the south african variant is not running up that kind of speed at the moment. _ running up that kind of speed at the moment, so i don't frame it as something _ moment, so i don't frame it as something that will be a dominant issue _ something that will be a dominant issue in— something that will be a dominant issue in the next few months. thank ou. we can now go to anjum peerbacus, a teacher in her 40s from stanmore in london with a question i believe many parents and teachers will want asked. figs many parents and teachers will want asked. �* . . many parents and teachers will want asked. �* , . ., many parents and teachers will want asked. ., , , asked. as a teacher who has suffered from covid previously _ asked. as a teacher who has suffered from covid previously when _ asked. as a teacher who has suffered from covid previously when schools i from covid previously when schools were open. — from covid previously when schools were open. i— from covid previously when schools were open. iwant— from covid previously when schools were open, i want to _ from covid previously when schools were open, i want to know- from covid previously when schools were open, i want to know if- from covid previously when schools were open, i want to know if the i were open, i want to know if the government— were open, i want to know if the government is— were open, i want to know if the government is serious _ were open, i want to know if the government is serious about - were open, i want to know if the i government is serious about taking precautions— government is serious about taking precautions before _ government is serious about taking precautions before it— government is serious about taking precautions before it reopens- government is serious about taking precautions before it reopens at. precautions before it reopens at schools — precautions before it reopens at schools as — precautions before it reopens at schools as regards _ precautions before it reopens at schools as regards to _ precautions before it reopens ati schools as regards to vaccination precautions before it reopens at. schools as regards to vaccination of school _ schools as regards to vaccination of school staff? — schools as regards to vaccination of school staff? is _ schools as regards to vaccination of school staff? is there _ schools as regards to vaccination of school staff? is there a _ schools as regards to vaccination of school staff? is there a plan - schools as regards to vaccination of

school staff? is there a plan to - school staff? is there a plan to vaccinate — school staff? is there a plan to vaccinate school _ school staff? is there a plan to vaccinate school staff, - school staff? is there a plan to vaccinate school staff, all- school staff? is there a plan to i vaccinate school staff, all school staff. _ vaccinate school staff, all school staff. before _ vaccinate school staff, all school staff, before we _ vaccinate school staff, all school staff, before we look _ vaccinate school staff, all school staff, before we look out - vaccinate school staff, all school. staff, before we look out reopening schools _ staff, before we look out reopening schools in _ staff, before we look out reopening schools in order _ staff, before we look out reopening schools in order to _ staff, before we look out reopening schools in order to safeguard - schools in order to safeguard students _ schools in order to safeguard students and _ schools in order to safeguard students and teachers - schools in order to safeguard students and teachers and i schools in order to safeguard - students and teachers and school staff in _ students and teachers and school staff in that — students and teachers and school staff in that event? _ students and teachers and school staff in that event?— staff in that event? thank you for the question- _ staff in that event? thank you for the question. right _ staff in that event? thank you for the question. right now- staff in that event? thank you for the question. right now we - staff in that event? thank you for the question. right now we are i staff in that event? thank you for. the question. right now we are not quite _ the question. right now we are not quite halfway through a programme that is— quite halfway through a programme that is aiming to vaccinate the people — that is aiming to vaccinate the people in— that is aiming to vaccinate the people in this country who are at maximum — people in this country who are at maximum risk of dying from covid or being _ maximum risk of dying from covid or being hospitalised with severe disease — being hospitalised with severe disease. it begins with the elderly and then— disease. it begins with the elderly and then runs down through the ages, blending _ and then runs down through the ages, blending in— and then runs down through the ages, blending in people 18—64 years of a-e, blending in people 18—64 years of age. as— blending in people 18—64 years of age, as well, at cohort number six, with high— age, as well, at cohort number six, with high risk— age, as well, at cohort number six, with high risk conditions as identified and demarcated by the expert— identified and demarcated by the expert committee, the jcvi. identified and demarcated by the

expert committee, thejcvi. so, a teacher— expert committee, thejcvi. so, a teacher who is 50 is already in our sites _ teacher who is 50 is already in our sites as— teacher who is 50 is already in our sites as part — teacher who is 50 is already in our sites as part of the vaccine rolled out four— sites as part of the vaccine rolled out four phases 1—9. a teacher who has high _ out four phases 1—9. a teacher who has high risk— out four phases 1—9. a teacher who has high risk conditions as identified by the jcvi, irrespective of their— identified by the jcvi, irrespective of their age, identified by the jcvi, irrespective of theirage, is identified by the jcvi, irrespective of their age, is already picked out in that— of their age, is already picked out in that phase one of the vaccine programme. when we get to the end of the phase _ programme. when we get to the end of the phase one vaccine programme and we have _ the phase one vaccine programme and we have covered those high risk people — we have covered those high risk people who are those at greatest risk of _ people who are those at greatest risk of dying from covid, then the government will look, ministers will make _ government will look, ministers will make decisions, about what they want to do next— make decisions, about what they want to do next in— make decisions, about what they want to do next in terms of the vaccine programme. and that is a decision that will— programme. and that is a decision that will be — programme. and that is a decision that will be taken by ministers, and it is at— that will be taken by ministers, and it is at that — that will be taken by ministers, and it is at that point that questions about— it is at that point that questions about specific occupational groups will be _ about specific occupational groups will be addressed. we about specific occupational groups will be addressed.— about specific occupational groups will be addressed. we are getting a lot of questions _

will be addressed. we are getting a lot of questions on _ will be addressed. we are getting a lot of questions on social _ will be addressed. we are getting a lot of questions on social media - lot of questions on social media about fertility and the impact these vaccines might have on people who might be trying to conceive. what information can you give to people out there in this situation right now? is it safe for them to take a vaccine? . , . now? is it safe for them to take a vaccine? , , , ., , vaccine? yes, yes. i have 'ust never heard of a — vaccine? yes, yes. i have 'ust never heard of a vaccine that _ vaccine? yes, yes. i havejust never heard of a vaccine that affects - heard of a vaccine that affects fertility — heard of a vaccine that affects fertility i_ heard of a vaccine that affects fertility. i was discussing this only— fertility. i was discussing this only yesterday with the chief medical officer. we recognise that this is— medical officer. we recognise that this is a _ medical officer. we recognise that this is a nasty, pernicious scare story, _ this is a nasty, pernicious scare story, but— this is a nasty, pernicious scare story, but that's all it is. it is deliberately designed to target people's worries and aspirations in life. people's worries and aspirations in life but _ people's worries and aspirations in life but it— people's worries and aspirations in life. but it isjust completely and utterly— life. but it isjust completely and utterly groundless.— life. but it isjust completely and utterly groundless. thank you for that. we can go on to sukhi kaur, 36 from

birmingham, a stay at home mother. thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient. _ thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient. so — thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient. so i — thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient. so i have _ thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient, so i have been— thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient, so i have been on- thank you, professor. i am a cancer patient, so i have been on the - patient, so i have been on the clinically— patient, so i have been on the clinically vulnerable _ patient, so i have been on the clinically vulnerable and - patient, so i have been on the . clinically vulnerable and shielding list since — clinically vulnerable and shielding list since the _ clinically vulnerable and shielding list since the start _ clinically vulnerable and shielding list since the start of— clinically vulnerable and shielding list since the start of the - list since the start of the pandemic _ list since the start of the pandemic. my— list since the start of the| pandemic. my immediate list since the start of the - pandemic. my immediate family, list since the start of the _ pandemic. my immediate family, like many— pandemic. my immediate family, like many others — pandemic. my immediate family, like many others in — pandemic. my immediate family, like many others in my— pandemic. my immediate family, like many others in my situation, - pandemic. my immediate family, like many others in my situation, have . many others in my situation, have effectively — many others in my situation, have effectively been _ many others in my situation, have effectively been housebound - many others in my situation, have effectively been housebound for i many others in my situation, have i effectively been housebound for the majority _ effectively been housebound for the majority of — effectively been housebound for the majority of last _ effectively been housebound for the majority of last year, _ effectively been housebound for the majority of last year, and _ effectively been housebound for the majority of last year, and all- effectively been housebound for the majority of last year, and all of- majority of last year, and all of this year. — majority of last year, and all of this year. to _ majority of last year, and all of this year, to keep _ majority of last year, and all of this year, to keep me - majority of last year, and all of this year, to keep me safe. - majority of last year, and all of this year, to keep me safe. i. majority of last year, and all of. this year, to keep me safe. i was offered _ this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and — this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and took _ this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and took the _ this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and took the first - this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and took the first dose i this year, to keep me safe. i was offered and took the first dose of the oxford — offered and took the first dose of the oxford vaccine _ offered and took the first dose of the oxford vaccine last _ offered and took the first dose of the oxford vaccine last week, - offered and took the first dose of| the oxford vaccine last week, but offered and took the first dose of. the oxford vaccine last week, but i am fearful— the oxford vaccine last week, but i am fearful of — the oxford vaccine last week, but i am fearful of potential— the oxford vaccine last week, but i am fearful of potential long—term i am fearful of potential long—term side-effects _ am fearful of potential long—term side—effects. i— am fearful of potential long—term side—effects. i know— am fearful of potential long—term side—effects. i know others - am fearful of potential long—term side—effects. i know others who i am fearful of potential long—term i side—effects. i know others who are in situations — side—effects. i know others who are in situations similar— side—effects. i know others who are in situations similar to _ side—effects. i know others who are in situations similar to mine - side—effects. i know others who are in situations similar to mine from i in situations similar to mine from the bame — in situations similar to mine from the bame community— in situations similar to mine from the bame community who - in situations similar to mine from the bame community who are - in situations similar to mine from - the bame community who are fearing adverse _ the bame community who are fearing adverse reactions _ the bame community who are fearing adverse reactions and _ the bame community who are fearing adverse reactions and side _ the bame community who are fearing adverse reactions and side effects- adverse reactions and side effects due to _ adverse reactions and side effects due to the — adverse reactions and side effects due to the plethora _ adverse reactions and side effects due to the plethora of _ adverse reactions and side effects due to the plethora of anti—cancer drugs _ due to the plethora of anti—cancer drugs they— due to the plethora of anti—cancer drugs they are _ due to the plethora of anti—cancer drugs they are currently _ due to the plethora of anti—cancer drugs they are currently taking. . due to the plethora of anti—cancer. drugs they are currently taking. my question— drugs they are currently taking. my question is. — drugs they are currently taking. my question is, what— drugs they are currently taking. my question is, what reassurance - drugs they are currently taking. my question is, what reassurance can. question is, what reassurance can you give _ question is, what reassurance can you give me — question is, what reassurance can you give me and _ question is, what reassurance can you give me and other— question is, what reassurance can you give me and other bame - question is, what reassurance can i you give me and other bame cancer patients— you give me and other bame cancer patients that — you give me and other bame cancer patients that the _ you give me and other bame cancer patients that the vaccine _ you give me and other bame cancer patients that the vaccine is - you give me and other bame cancer patients that the vaccine is safe - you give me and other bame cancer patients that the vaccine is safe in l patients that the vaccine is safe in the long _ patients that the vaccine is safe in the long term? _ patients that the vaccine is safe in the long term? thank— patients that the vaccine is safe in the long term? thank you. - patients that the vaccine is safe in the long term? thank you.- patients that the vaccine is safe in the long term? thank you. thank you for the question. _

the long term? thank you. thank you for the question. i _ the long term? thank you. thank you for the question. i don't _ the long term? thank you. thank you for the question. i don't think - the long term? thank you. thank you for the question. i don't think bame i for the question. i don't think bame cancer— for the question. i don't think bame cancer patients are any different to any other— cancer patients are any different to any other cancer patients. sadly, cancer— any other cancer patients. sadly, cancer doesn't discriminate in that way either~ — cancer doesn't discriminate in that way either. i am sorry to hear you have _ way either. i am sorry to hear you have had — way either. i am sorry to hear you have had such an experience. what i can say— have had such an experience. what i can say is— have had such an experience. what i can say is that you have been picked out because — can say is that you have been picked out because you are clinically extremely vulnerable for an absolute reason _ extremely vulnerable for an absolute reason i_ extremely vulnerable for an absolute reason. i am extremely vulnerable for an absolute reason. lam really extremely vulnerable for an absolute reason. i am really glad you have had the _ reason. i am really glad you have had the vaccine, and that is the immediate... coronavirus is the immediate _ immediate... coronavirus is the immediate threat to you, not the vaccine — immediate threat to you, not the vaccine. the answer on howl immediate threat to you, not the vaccine. the answer on how i can reassure — vaccine. the answer on how i can reassure you, well, you know, 12 million _ reassure you, well, you know, 12 million people in the uk have now had the _ million people in the uk have now had the coronavirus vaccine. the mhra— had the coronavirus vaccine. the mhra safety data, which are published, you can look at them, are incredibly— published, you can look at them, are incredibly reassuring at this point. that's—

incredibly reassuring at this point. that's really good to know. thank you _ that's really good to know. thank ou. ., , ,., that's really good to know. thank ou. ., ., ., ., you. professor, you mentioned data due out within _ you. professor, you mentioned data due out within days _ you. professor, you mentioned data due out within days that _ you. professor, you mentioned data due out within days that is - due out within days that is confirming the current vaccines are effective. the newspapers this morning are reporting that astrazeneca and pfizer cut the risk of falling ill buy something like 65%. is that right? i of falling ill buy something like 65%. is that right?— of falling ill buy something like 65%. is that right? i am hopefulwe will have verified _ 65%. is that right? i am hopefulwe will have verified data _ 65%. is that right? i am hopefulwe will have verified data within... - 65%. is that right? i am hopefulwe will have verified data within... it i will have verified data within... it would _ will have verified data within... it would be — will have verified data within... it would be nice within a few days, but certainly _ would be nice within a few days, but certainly within one or two weeks we should _ certainly within one or two weeks we should start — certainly within one or two weeks we should start to get some signals that are — should start to get some signals that are reliable. i don't comment on leaked — that are reliable. i don't comment on leaked information. i would offer a lot of— on leaked information. i would offer a lot of caution about leaked information about understanding it and interpreting it properly and potentially that it's preliminary. so i potentially that it's preliminary. so i won't — potentially that it's preliminary. so i won't comment further on that report— so i won't comment further on that report in— so i won't comment further on that report in the — so i won't comment further on that report in the sun newspaper. we have

time to squeeze _ report in the sun newspaper. we have time to squeeze in _ report in the sun newspaper. we have time to squeeze in one _ report in the sun newspaper. we have time to squeeze in one more - time to squeeze in one more question. we can speak to 29—year—old jag bhabra who runs the family pharmacy in windsor. ., �* in windsor. hello. i'm 31, unfortunately! _ in windsor. hello. i'm 31, unfortunately! planning l in windsor. hello. i'm 31, l unfortunately! planning on mobilising _ unfortunately! planning on mobilising local— unfortunately! planning onl mobilising local pharmacies unfortunately! planning on . mobilising local pharmacies in vaccinating _ mobilising local pharmacies in vaccinating lower— mobilising local pharmacies in vaccinating lower priority - mobilising local pharmacies in i vaccinating lower priority groups, or would — vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you _ vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you be _ vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you be looking - vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you be looking to - vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you be looking to do - vaccinating lower priority groups, or would you be looking to do it i vaccinating lower priority groups, i or would you be looking to do it now to take _ or would you be looking to do it now to take pressure _ or would you be looking to do it now to take pressure off— or would you be looking to do it now to take pressure off vaccine - or would you be looking to do it now to take pressure off vaccine centresl to take pressure off vaccine centres which _ to take pressure off vaccine centres which have — to take pressure off vaccine centres which have been— to take pressure off vaccine centres which have been anecdotally - to take pressure off vaccine centres which have been anecdotally superl which have been anecdotally super spreader— which have been anecdotally super spreader centres? _ which have been anecdotally super spreader centres?— which have been anecdotally super spreader centres? thank you for the ruestion. spreader centres? thank you for the question. matters _ spreader centres? thank you for the question. matters are _ spreader centres? thank you for the question. matters are quite - spreader centres? thank you for the question. matters are quite exactlyl question. matters are quite exactly which _ question. matters are quite exactly which services in which particular areas _ which services in which particular areas we — which services in which particular areas we use for vaccine deployment areas we use for vaccine deployment are not— areas we use for vaccine deployment are not my— areas we use for vaccine deployment are not my territory. they are the territory — are not my territory. they are the territory of — are not my territory. they are the territory of the national health service. — territory of the national health service, who are responsible for the roll-out _ service, who are responsible for the roll-out and — service, who are responsible for the roll—out and deployment programme. what i _ roll—out and deployment programme. what i can— roll—out and deployment programme. what i can say is that there are collective. _ what i can say is that there are collective, whole of system, whole of government determination and the only thing _ of government determination and the only thing that will ever slow us

down _ only thing that will ever slow us down is — only thing that will ever slow us down is how much vaccine we have. obviously _ down is how much vaccine we have. obviously we are very lucky, frankly, _ obviously we are very lucky, frankly. in— obviously we are very lucky, frankly, in the uk to have the supplies— frankly, in the uk to have the supplies we do. there are many nations— supplies we do. there are many nations around the world that would dream _ nations around the world that would dream of— nations around the world that would dream of being in the position we are in _ dream of being in the position we are in but — dream of being in the position we are in. but nevertheless, vaccines are in. but nevertheless, vaccines are difficult— are in. but nevertheless, vaccines are difficult to produce. the scale up are difficult to produce. the scale up of— are difficult to produce. the scale up of the — are difficult to produce. the scale up of the manufacturer is new to the manufacturers, and we are determined we will— manufacturers, and we are determined we will go _ manufacturers, and we are determined we will go at _ manufacturers, and we are determined we will go at the speed at which we have access to vaccines.— have access to vaccines. professor van tam. have access to vaccines. professor van tam- we _ have access to vaccines. professor van tam. we had _ have access to vaccines. professor van tam. we had a _ have access to vaccines. professor van tam. we had a bbc— have access to vaccines. professor i van tam. we had a bbc investigation today about the whereabouts of some of the misinformation coming out, and places like whatsapp. are you losing the war on this information on places like whatsapp, facebook and other social media platforms? should the government be doing more to take the fight to users on those

platforms? staff we are always concerned when we get _ staff we are always concerned when we get disinformation and things which _ we get disinformation and things which are — we get disinformation and things which are just potently and potently misleading and designed frighten people _ misleading and designed frighten people and damage their confidence in what _ people and damage their confidence in what we _ people and damage their confidence in what we are doing, which i believe — in what we are doing, which i believe in _ in what we are doing, which i believe in absolutely passionately, i believe in absolutely passionately, i have _ believe in absolutely passionately, i have to _ believe in absolutely passionately, i have to say. but all the polls show — i have to say. but all the polls show that _ i have to say. but all the polls show that vaccine confidence is generally— show that vaccine confidence is generally really high in the uk compared to many parts of the world. and the _ compared to many parts of the world. and the enthusiasm and likelihood that people are going to accept covid-19 — that people are going to accept covid—19 vaccines when called overall— covid—19 vaccines when called overall is— covid—19 vaccines when called overall is super high. and you have heard _ overall is super high. and you have heard already the kind of statistics that actually the secretary of state announced when standing alongside me at the podium at number 10 on monday — at the podium at number 10 on monday. over—80s, 90 plus percent.

it monday. over—80s, 90 plus percent. it might— monday. over—80s, 90 plus percent. it might have been 93, off the top of my— it might have been 93, off the top of my head. massively high vaccine uptake _ of my head. massively high vaccine uptake so— of my head. massively high vaccine uptake so far. 75 to 79—year—olds, even _ uptake so far. 75 to 79—year—olds, even higher— uptake so far. 75 to 79—year—olds, even higher than that. so the enthusiasm and keenness to be vaccinated is there, people get it that this — vaccinated is there, people get it that this virus is horrible and it kills _ that this virus is horrible and it kills you. — that this virus is horrible and it kills you, particularly if you are in a high — kills you, particularly if you are in a high risk or an elderly group. with— in a high risk or an elderly group. with ease — in a high risk or an elderly group. with ease. and i think vaccine confidence is really high in this country — confidence is really high in this count . ., , confidence is really high in this count. ., , ., country. professor, i 'ust wonder, on a personarh country. professor, i 'ust wonder, on a personal level. _ country. professor, ijust wonder, on a personal level. i— country. professor, ijust wonder, on a personal level. i think- country. professor, ijust wonder, on a personal level. i think we - on a personal level. i think we miaht on a personal level. i think we might have — on a personal level. i think we might have to _ on a personal level. i think we might have to go. _ on a personal level. i think we might have to go. very - on a personal level. i think we | might have to go. very quickly. on a personal level. i think we i might have to go. very quickly. i 'ust might have to go. very quickly. i just wonder _ might have to go. very quickly. i just wonder on _ might have to go. very quickly. i just wonder on a _ might have to go. very quickly. i just wonder on a personal- might have to go. very quickly. i just wonder on a personal level, | just wonder on a personal level, when you see all these stories, misinformation, how does that make you feel, angry, frustrated? i you feel, angry, frustrated? i realise that the vast majority of people — realise that the vast majority of people in — realise that the vast majority of people in the uk would prefer to take their— people in the uk would prefer to take their advice on vaccines from

trusted _ take their advice on vaccines from trusted sources, rather than from some _ trusted sources, rather than from some of— trusted sources, rather than from some of the nonsense that is circulated on social media. if my central— circulated on social media. if my central heating system breaks down, i am central heating system breaks down, i am going _ central heating system breaks down, i am going to call a heating engineer to i am going to call a heating engineerto explain to i am going to call a heating engineer to explain to me what is wrong _ engineer to explain to me what is wrong and — engineer to explain to me what is wrong and what needs to be fixed and -ive wrong and what needs to be fixed and give me _ wrong and what needs to be fixed and give me the _ wrong and what needs to be fixed and give me the advice on whether the system _ give me the advice on whether the system needs upgrading or whatever. i am system needs upgrading or whatever. i am not _ system needs upgrading or whatever. i am not going to ask a brain surgeon _ i am not going to ask a brain surgeon to do this. so why would you io surgeon to do this. so why would you go to— surgeon to do this. so why would you go to those _ surgeon to do this. so why would you go to those kind of sources of information when you have really very readily accessible good sources from trusted voices in the nhs? your own health _ from trusted voices in the nhs? your own health professionals that you know _ own health professionals that you know and — own health professionals that you know and you see periodically through— know and you see periodically through your life.— know and you see periodically through your life. indeed. let's hoe through your life. indeed. let's hope that— through your life. indeed. let's hope that is— through your life. indeed. let's hope that is the _ through your life. indeed. let's hope that is the case _ through your life. indeed. let's hope that is the case for- through your life. indeed. let's hope that is the case for the i through your life. indeed. let's i hope that is the case for the vast majority of the british public. professorjonthan van—tam, deputy chief medical officerfor england, thank you very much forjoining us on this edition of your questions answered. goodbye. it is fairly

straightforward - goodbye. it is fairly straightforward and goodbye. it is fairly - straightforward and easy to goodbye. it is fairly _ straightforward and easy to say that the majority people are going to go to trusted sources. but the fact is, and we know what the take appears, according to the royal college of gps. the majority of those people who have had theirfirst vaccination, it is over 90%, they are white, qasa. j vaccination, it is over 90%, they are white, qasa.— are white, qasa. i am looking forward to — are white, qasa. i am looking forward to seeing _ are white, qasa. i am looking forward to seeing some - are white, qasa. i am looking forward to seeing some of. are white, qasa. i am looking i forward to seeing some of these stats published. professor van—tam was talking about the fact it takes a while for all of this to process and get through. i am looking forward to some of those numbers and the general trends to come out. because then we can identify in which groups is it in particular and do more perhaps to address their concerns, their issues. one of the key statistics we did talk about and it is a big one, 12 million people

have had at least one dose already. we are getting there is what i want to say about this really. and i know my mum is one of those 12 million who has got one of those doses. i was very relieved after that. that is something that is quite positive. what about yourself? yes, i mean, you are looking so cute there! and your mum has had the jab. my parents, they are in their �*80s. i tweeted a few weeks ago that my mother was going to get the jab and that other members of the bame community must go and do that too, they have had their firstjab, no side effects, no problems whatsoever and it is very important that an example is set. and so many in our community get out there. asjonathan van—tam made it clear, it needs as many people as possible to get the

jab in orderfor many people as possible to get the jab in order for so—called many people as possible to get the jab in orderfor so—called herd immunity to kick in, for us all to be safe. and this is something that just simply has got to happen. absolutely, a quick story on that regarding my mum. she is from a bangladeshi background. we know the susceptibility of bangladeshi people in particularfor susceptibility of bangladeshi people in particular for whatever reasons to being more adversely affected by these coronavirus strains. but since she has got her first these coronavirus strains. but since she has got herfirstjab, it has been great to see the amount of support and people coming out to say, i want to get mine, or i am looking forward to it. she has had so many messages from older people in the bangladeshi community to say, when i getting mine? as she is the person that knows. it is important to focus on the fact that there are people who are hesitant about having a vaccine. but the overriding message is that a lot of people are getting the vaccine and they do want to be vaccinated to that is

something to remember is something to remember as well, clive.— to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely- — to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely- as _ to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely. as far _ to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely. as far as _ to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely. as far as the _ to remember as well, clive. indeed, absolutely. as far as the black - absolutely. as far as the black community is concerned, there is a lot of distrust with the authorities in general on the parts of some within our community. and that has morphed, tragically, sadly, into the field of vaccines as well. and we don't need to go into the various issues concerning the windrush generation and their sense of betrayal on the part of society. that they believe that they were a firm part of. and that has bled into this discussion about vaccines as well. and we just have to hope some of that distrust can be dispelled, we know the government is very concerned about this and it does want to try to improve the situation. because as i say, this virus, coronavirus, it knows no borders, it is not going to discriminate, it will attack anyone. and if the vaccine is the one way

out of this, that is something that has got to be taken up. that out of this, that is something that has got to be taken up.— out of this, that is something that has got to be taken up. that is why we are here — has got to be taken up. that is why we are here as— has got to be taken up. that is why we are here as well, _ has got to be taken up. that is why we are here as well, we _ has got to be taken up. that is why we are here as well, we are - has got to be taken up. that is why we are here as well, we are here i has got to be taken up. that is why | we are here as well, we are here to take the questions that the public have. your questions and on the asian network, we are taking those questions. if you know someone out there who is a bit concerned or if you have a question, get it into us because we still have plenty to come on the programme to address some of those concerns and questions and that lack of trust in the vaccine that lack of trust in the vaccine that we are hearing about, and we will do that for the next 20 odd minutes, clive.— will do that for the next 20 odd minutes, clive. , ., minutes, clive. yes, indeed, we are. we are going — minutes, clive. yes, indeed, we are. we are going to _ minutes, clive. yes, indeed, we are. we are going to progress _ minutes, clive. yes, indeed, we are. we are going to progress now - minutes, clive. yes, indeed, we are. we are going to progress now and i we are going to progress now and bring in dr shamaila anwar, a science communicator. thanks very much indeed forjoining us. hi there. it is good to see you. our first question is from an 18—year—old university student from

leeds, aisha mirza, will the government collect ethnicity data from those taking the vaccine, what will you do to address gaps in the data and make sure take up is fair? ithink data and make sure take up is fair? i think the government will collect data and _ i think the government will collect data and everyone that is going to be vaccinated because that way, they can identify— be vaccinated because that way, they can identify where the gaps are. otherwise, there will be massive gaps _ otherwise, there will be massive gaps and — otherwise, there will be massive gaps and we won't know whether those -- where _ gaps and we won't know whether those —— where those gaps are because people _ —— where those gaps are because people had — —— where those gaps are because people had not been vaccinated or we don't have _ people had not been vaccinated or we don't have the data. so that information will be forthcoming. as jonathan _ information will be forthcoming. as jonathan van—tam has suggested come does take _ jonathan van—tam has suggested come does take time. i think that in terms — does take time. i think that in terms of— does take time. i think that in terms of addressing what the underlying factors will be, we are starting _ underlying factors will be, we are starting to— underlying factors will be, we are starting to get there. certainly from _ starting to get there. certainly from the — starting to get there. certainly from the community that i live in, the fact— from the community that i live in, the fact that we have got community members. _ the fact that we have got community members, champions, religious leaders. — members, champions, religious leaders, actors all saying the same thing. _ leaders, actors all saying the same thing. i_ leaders, actors all saying the same thing, i think there is a turning

point _ thing, i think there is a turning point now— thing, i think there is a turning point now for us to address those inequalities. point now for us to address those inequalities-— point now for us to address those ineaualities. . . , ., ., ., inequalities. was that enough done, do ou inequalities. was that enough done, do you think. _ inequalities. was that enough done, do you think. at _ inequalities. was that enough done, do you think, at the _ inequalities. was that enough done, do you think, at the beginning - inequalities. was that enough done, do you think, at the beginning of. do you think, at the beginning of the pandemic, to inform certain communities, the degree those where perhaps english is not a first language, of the importance and efficacy of the vaccines and so on? do you think mistakes were made at the start of all this? i do you think mistakes were made at the start of all this?— the start of all this? i think it is really difficult. _ the start of all this? i think it is really difficult. i— the start of all this? i think it is really difficult. i think - the start of all this? i think it is really difficult. i think we, - the start of all this? i think it is really difficult. i think we, the i really difficult. i think we, the government and all the agencies working — government and all the agencies working within it, within the vaccine _ working within it, within the vaccine space and the pandemic, it is really— vaccine space and the pandemic, it is really difficult, isn't it, when you're — is really difficult, isn't it, when you're in— is really difficult, isn't it, when you're in this situation? because when _ you're in this situation? because when you — you're in this situation? because when you have got communities have that distrust with official organisations, it takes quite a while — organisations, it takes quite a while for— organisations, it takes quite a while for those communities bent to understand and to trust what the key messages _ understand and to trust what the key messages are. i think that is one key thing — messages are. i think that is one key thing we found with the work we are doing _ key thing we found with the work we are doing with communities, when you scratch _ are doing with communities, when you scratch under the surface, and you io scratch under the surface, and you go deeper. — scratch under the surface, and you

go deeper, it is not so much about the pandemic and the vaccines and the pandemic and the vaccines and the restrictions, it is more about the restrictions, it is more about the distrust. | the restrictions, it is more about the distrust.— the restrictions, it is more about the distrust. ., ., ., ., the distrust. i do wonder about that level of distrust. _ the distrust. i do wonder about that level of distrust. we _ the distrust. i do wonder about that level of distrust. we heard - level of distrust. we heard professor van—tam say it will take time to get the data and you said that as well, why is it taking so much time? we know the royal college of gps has managed to work out that 90% of the vaccine take up from those people that it has inoculated has been to white people, why is it we don't have a level of urgency in getting this data out there? i we don't have a level of urgency in getting this data out there? i think there is a level _ getting this data out there? i think there is a level of _ getting this data out there? i think there is a level of urgency, - getting this data out there? i think there is a level of urgency, i - getting this data out there? i think there is a level of urgency, i think| there is a level of urgency, i think it isjust _ there is a level of urgency, i think it isjust very— there is a level of urgency, i think it is just very complex because there is a level of urgency, i think it isjust very complex because it is a massive _ it isjust very complex because it is a massive programme. i don't work for the _ is a massive programme. i don't work for the government. i am a science communicator, i work with communities. but what i do know is that the _ communities. but what i do know is that the data is coming, it isjust that the data is coming, it isjust that it _ that the data is coming, it isjust that it does _ that the data is coming, it isjust that it does take a while because it is a massive, massive programme. thank—

is a massive, massive programme. thank you — is a massive, massive programme. thank you very much for that. we still have plenty of questions to get through and i want to go to preity mohyal to ask a question of our experts, someone from london who works for a financial tech company. it is lovely to have you here, what is your question, preity?— is your question, preity? good morning. _ is your question, preity? good morning, primarily, _ is your question, preity? good morning, primarily, where - is your question, preity? good morning, primarily, where do| is your question, preity? good morning, primarily, where do we get this impression— morning, primarily, where do we get this impression bame _ morning, primarily, where do we get this impression bame communities i morning, primarily, where do we get. this impression bame communities are reluctant— this impression bame communities are reluctant to _ this impression bame communities are reluctant to vaccinate? _ this impression bame communities are reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic - reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic minority— reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic minority communities - reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic minority communities in - reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic minority communities in the i reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic i minority communities in the uk reluctant to vaccinate? ethnic - minority communities in the uk are some _ minority communities in the uk are some of— minority communities in the uk are some of the — minority communities in the uk are some of the biggest _ minority communities in the uk are some of the biggest affected - some of the biggest affected communities— some of the biggest affected communities by— some of the biggest affected communities by the - some of the biggest affected communities by the covid . some of the biggest affected - communities by the covid pandemic, so what _ communities by the covid pandemic, so what is _ communities by the covid pandemic, so what is this — communities by the covid pandemic, so what is this portrayal _ communities by the covid pandemic, so what is this portrayal that - communities by the covid pandemic, so what is this portrayal that bame l so what is this portrayal that bame communities— so what is this portrayal that bame communities are _ so what is this portrayal that bame communities are reluctant - so what is this portrayal that bame communities are reluctant to - communities are reluctant to vaccinate? _ communities are reluctant to vaccinate? as _ communities are reluctant to vaccinate? as far— communities are reluctant to vaccinate? as far as - communities are reluctant to vaccinate? as far as i - communities are reluctant to vaccinate? as far as i am - communities are reluctant to - vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people _ vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people i— vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people i know— vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people i know in _ vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people i know in the _ vaccinate? as far as i am aware, people i know in the bame - vaccinate? as far as i am aware, - people i know in the bame community, they want— people i know in the bame community, they want to _ people i know in the bame community, they want to be — people i know in the bame community, they want to be vaccinated, _ people i know in the bame community, they want to be vaccinated, so - people i know in the bame community, they want to be vaccinated, so why - they want to be vaccinated, so why are we _ they want to be vaccinated, so why are we getting _ they want to be vaccinated, so why are we getting this— they want to be vaccinated, so why are we getting this impression? . they want to be vaccinated, so why are we getting this impression? [i are we getting this impression? i think are we getting this impression? think for my part, i think that are we getting this impression?“ think for my part, i think that when we have _ think for my part, i think that when we have communities that are hesitant. _ we have communities that are hesitant, and we have to understand that hesitancy is entirely normal and hesitancy is nothing new, i

think— and hesitancy is nothing new, i think those two, hasn't easy and electors. — think those two, hasn't easy and electors, they are often confused. -- hesitancy— electors, they are often confused. —— hesitancy and reluctance, they are often— —— hesitancy and reluctance, they are often confused. we understand the communities, their concerns and they are _ the communities, their concerns and they are valid. it is helping make informed — they are valid. it is helping make informed choices for people. i think the media _ informed choices for people. i think the media coverage make the lack and asian _ the media coverage make the lack and asian minority ethnic groups are reluctant— asian minority ethnic groups are reluctant to take the vaccines, but quite _ reluctant to take the vaccines, but quite often, hesitancy and reluctance are confused. let's bring in doctor williams _ reluctance are confused. let's bring in doctor williams on _ reluctance are confused. let's bring in doctor williams on this _ reluctance are confused. let's bring in doctor williams on this now, - in doctor williams on this now, thank you for your time. so we have question here about whether people can choose which vaccine, well, we will go to a question now from our experts. you can answer this, dr anwar. why don't you try and answer this question, please, about whether we can choose which vaccine we can

take. a number of people have been getting in touch. if one is more effective against these new variants, can i choose to take that one instead of another one? what one instead of another one? what would ou one instead of another one? what would you say _ one instead of another one? what would you say to _ one instead of another one? what would you say to that? _ one instead of another one? what would you say to that? it - one instead of another one? what would you say to that? it depends on where _ would you say to that? it depends on where you _ would you say to that? it depends on where you are. it also depends on what _ where you are. it also depends on what vaccines you are offered. and i think— what vaccines you are offered. and i think the _ what vaccines you are offered. and i think the vaccines we currently have -ot think the vaccines we currently have got approved, they have gone through the appropriate safety testing and appropriate efficacy testing. so either— appropriate efficacy testing. so either or— appropriate efficacy testing. so either or vaccine is appropriate. and i_ either or vaccine is appropriate. and i think _ either or vaccine is appropriate. and i think that if you have got a choice. — and i think that if you have got a choice. you _ and i think that if you have got a choice, you need to discuss that with— choice, you need to discuss that with your— choice, you need to discuss that with your doctor. find choice, you need to discuss that with your doctor.— with your doctor. and another ruestion with your doctor. and another question that _ with your doctor. and another question that has _ with your doctor. and another question that has come - with your doctor. and another question that has come in. i with your doctor. and another| question that has come in. on with your doctor. and another i question that has come in. on the same point as well. it is about, what are the chances of being contagious once you have taken the vaccine? for example, zee says they get poly— when they take a flu jab and antibiotics, will this have the

same effect? == and antibiotics, will this have the same effect?— and antibiotics, will this have the same effect? -- they get poorly. i think the side-effects _ same effect? -- they get poorly. i think the side-effects reported i same effect? -- they get poorly. i | think the side-effects reported and think the side—effects reported and may be _ think the side—effects reported and may be doctor williams may be able to come _ may be doctor williams may be able to come here just come in here as well. _ to come here just come in here as well. they— to come here just come in here as well, they are similar to other vaccines. _ well, they are similar to other vaccines, so they are nothing out of the ordinary — vaccines, so they are nothing out of the ordinary. i think it is important to say that vaccination can help — important to say that vaccination can help protect you, but whether or not it _ can help protect you, but whether or not it stops — can help protect you, but whether or not it stops the spread is something still being _ not it stops the spread is something still being examined. leila not it stops the spread is something still being examined.— still being examined. leila has also not in still being examined. leila has also got in touch — still being examined. leila has also got in touch as _ still being examined. leila has also got in touch as well _ still being examined. leila has also got in touch as well to _ still being examined. leila has also got in touch as well to say, - still being examined. leila has also got in touch as well to say, my i got in touch as well to say, my mother is over 70, but won't take the vaccine because she has major concerns regarding her medications and because she has read fake news, information about the covid vaccination. her english is poor, why can't i find health professionals who speak a language, turkish, who can tell her through her concerns? before i get your answer, quick one particularly across here on the edge network and on bbc news, we have put out advice in various languages, but turkish and many others, we do need those

languages, the advice also translated into those as well, don't we? . translated into those as well, don't we? , . , , translated into those as well, don't we? , ., , , , translated into those as well, don't we? , , , ._ we? yes, absolutely. it is really important _ we? yes, absolutely. it is really important that _ we? yes, absolutely. it is really important that information, i we? yes, absolutely. it is really important that information, any j important that information, any information, is in an accessible format — information, is in an accessible format and _ information, is in an accessible format and that is a key point that we need _ format and that is a key point that we need to— format and that is a key point that we need to ensure that we have got verified _ we need to ensure that we have got verified spaces and sources for information that everybody has access — information that everybody has access to — information that everybody has access to in different formats. because — access to in different formats. because not everybody can read and write in _ because not everybody can read and write in their own mother tongue. let alone — write in their own mother tongue. let alone english. so it is really important — let alone english. so it is really important if we want to get to that community. big steps in the last few months _ community. big steps in the last few months are — community. big steps in the last few months are being made with that. i know— months are being made with that. i know nhs— months are being made with that. i know nhs trusts and nhs england nationally have been doing that to ensure _ nationally have been doing that to ensure that information is available in different languages and i think that if— in different languages and i think that if you do have concerns, absolutely speak to your doctor and ensure _ absolutely speak to your doctor and ensure you — absolutely speak to your doctor and ensure you get the right information and correct — ensure you get the right information and correct information before you do anything, it is about being informed _ do anything, it is about being informed by your choices. let�*s informed by your choices. let's introduce _ informed by your choices. let's introduce now _ informed by your choices. let's introduce now asher _

informed by your choices. let�*s introduce now asher williams, presidential postdoctoral fellow at cornell university in new york, thank you for coming onto the programme, doctor williams. thank ou for programme, doctor williams. thank you for having _ programme, doctor williams. thank you for having me _ programme, doctor williams. thank you for having me this _ programme, doctor williams. thank you for having me this morning. i programme, doctor williams. thank you for having me this morning. no | you for having me this morning. problem. clive. yes, quite a few questions coming in on text and on twitter. let's try this one, i would like to ask if anyone is looking at an antidote or cure, rather than vaccines? it seems as if this will be with us for quite a while. yes. for now. — be with us for quite a while. yes. for now. the _ be with us for quite a while. yes. for now, the main _ be with us for quite a while. yes. for now, the main concern i be with us for quite a while. yes. for now, the main concern is i for now, the main concern is reducing _ for now, the main concern is reducing the _ for now, the main concern is reducing the prevalence i for now, the main concern is reducing the prevalence of. for now, the main concern is. reducing the prevalence of the vaccine — reducing the prevalence of the vaccine within— reducing the prevalence of the vaccine within the _ reducing the prevalence of the vaccine within the population. | reducing the prevalence of the i vaccine within the population. and we have _ vaccine within the population. and we have seen_ vaccine within the population. and we have seen with _ vaccine within the population. and we have seen with diseases - vaccine within the population. and we have seen with diseases in- vaccine within the population. and we have seen with diseases in the| we have seen with diseases in the past vaccination _ we have seen with diseases in the past vaccination comes _ we have seen with diseases in the past vaccination comes in - we have seen with diseases in the past vaccination comes in and - we have seen with diseases in the past vaccination comes in and it . past vaccination comes in and it gets— past vaccination comes in and it gets the — past vaccination comes in and it gets the population _ past vaccination comes in and it gets the population to - past vaccination comes in and it gets the population to a - past vaccination comes in and it gets the population to a point . past vaccination comes in and it| gets the population to a point of herd immunity— gets the population to a point of herd immunity where _ gets the population to a point of herd immunity where it - gets the population to a point of herd immunity where it is- gets the population to a point of herd immunity where it is no- gets the population to a point of. herd immunity where it is no longer likely— herd immunity where it is no longer likely to _ herd immunity where it is no longer likely to spread _ herd immunity where it is no longer likely to spread and _ herd immunity where it is no longer likely to spread and because - herd immunity where it is no longer likely to spread and because the - likely to spread and because the devastating _ likely to spread and because the devastating impacts. _ likely to spread and because the devastating impacts. so- likely to spread and because the devastating impacts. so that - likely to spread and because the devastating impacts. so that is. likely to spread and because the - devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses — devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for — devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for this _ devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for this virus, _ devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for this virus, as - devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for this virus, as it - devastating impacts. so that is what the focuses for this virus, as it is- the focuses for this virus, as it is usually— the focuses for this virus, as it is usually with _ the focuses for this virus, as it is usually with other— the focuses for this virus, as it is usually with other diseases - the focuses for this virus, as it is usually with other diseases that i usually with other diseases that emerge — usually with other diseases that emerge in — usually with other diseases that emerge in the _ usually with other diseases that

emerge in the population. - usually with other diseases that emerge in the population. thank you, dr william — emerge in the population. thank you, dr williams. pat _ emerge in the population. thank you, dr williams. pat says _ emerge in the population. thank you, dr williams. pat says that _ emerge in the population. thank you, dr williams. pat says that a _ emerge in the population. thank you, dr williams. pat says that a few - dr williams. pat says that a few weeks ago, we were informed by everything from downing street that the mortality rate was slightly higher with the covid variant. is there any more data on this? that higher with the covid variant. is there any more data on this? at this time, there any more data on this? at this time. variants _ there any more data on this? at this time, variants are _ there any more data on this? at this time, variants are still— there any more data on this? at this time, variants are still being - time, variants are still being explored _ time, variants are still being exotored~ are _ time, variants are still being explored. are still— time, variants are still being explored. are still collectingi time, variants are still being - explored. are still collecting data on the _ explored. are still collecting data on the variants _ explored. are still collecting data on the variants to _ explored. are still collecting data on the variants to really- explored. are still collecting data on the variants to really see - explored. are still collecting data on the variants to really see what differences — on the variants to really see what differences they _ on the variants to really see what differences they have _ on the variants to really see what differences they have from - on the variants to really see what differences they have from the i differences they have from the non-mutated _ differences they have from the non—mutated version- differences they have from the non—mutated version of- differences they have from the non—mutated version of the i differences they have from the . non—mutated version of the virus. differences they have from the - non—mutated version of the virus. we can say— non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for— non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for sure — non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for sure that _ non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for sure that they _ non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for sure that they are - non—mutated version of the virus. we can say for sure that they are more i can say for sure that they are more transmittabte — can say for sure that they are more transmittable than— can say for sure that they are more transmittable than the _ can say for sure that they are more i transmittable than the non—mutated version, _ transmittable than the non—mutated version, but— transmittable than the non—mutated version, but in— transmittable than the non—mutated version, but in terms _ transmittable than the non—mutated version, but in terms of— transmittable than the non—mutated version, but in terms of being - transmittable than the non—mutated version, but in terms of being more| version, but in terms of being more deadly. _ version, but in terms of being more deadly. that— version, but in terms of being more deadly. that is— version, but in terms of being more deadly, that is something _ version, but in terms of being more deadly, that is something that- version, but in terms of being more deadly, that is something that is. deadly, that is something that is still treing — deadly, that is something that is still being investigated. - deadly, that is something that is still being investigated. so- deadly, that is something that isi still being investigated. so there is definitive _ still being investigated. so there is definitive data _ still being investigated. so there is definitive data —— _ still being investigated. so there is definitive data —— there - still being investigated. so there is definitive data —— there is- still being investigated. so there is definitive data —— there is no. is definitive data —— there is no definitive — is definitive data —— there is no definitive data _ is definitive data —— there is no definitive data out _ is definitive data —— there is no definitive data out on - is definitive data —— there is no definitive data out on that - is definitive data —— there is no definitive data out on that yet, | is definitive data —— there is no- definitive data out on that yet, but the trest— definitive data out on that yet, but the best thing _ definitive data out on that yet, but the best thing everyone _ definitive data out on that yet, but the best thing everyone can- definitive data out on that yet, but the best thing everyone can do- definitive data out on that yet, but the best thing everyone can do is. the best thing everyone can do is follow— the best thing everyone can do is follow public _ the best thing everyone can do is follow public health _ the best thing everyone can do is follow public health guidelines i the best thing everyone can do is follow public health guidelines to reduce _ follow public health guidelines to reduce the — follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread _ follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of— follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of the - follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus i follow public health guidelines to| reduce the spread of the virus and reduce _ reduce the spread of the virus and reduce their— reduce the spread of the virus and reduce their chances— reduce the spread of the virus and reduce their chances of— reduce the spread of the virus and reduce their chances of getting . reduce their chances of getting infected — reduce their chances of getting infected i— reduce their chances of getting infected. . ., . , .,

infected. i have got a question here from ezre and _ infected. i have got a question here from ezre and i _ infected. i have got a question here from ezre and i would _ infected. i have got a question here from ezre and i would like - infected. i have got a question here from ezre and i would like both - infected. i have got a question here | from ezre and i would like both your opinions on this. is facebook doing enough to tackle misinformation nationally, should facebook be brought under international regulations for the pandemic? it seems to cater to certain people who don't like restrictions online. what are your thoughts on that and the role that tech companies need to play and whether there needs to be some sort of uniform response from them in helping out with the pandemic information spread? dr anwar, why don't you go first? i think— anwar, why don't you go first? i think that — anwar, why don't you go first? i think that absolutely, tech companies and social media platforms like facebook and tiktok do have a responsibility, particularly when information is being spread via their— information is being spread via their platforms that is not correct and is _ their platforms that is not correct and is actually feeding into people's securities and really damaging their view of the vaccines and ultimately their health and

their— and ultimately their health and their lives. i know that there is a lot their lives. i know that there is a tot of— their lives. i know that there is a tot of work— their lives. i know that there is a lot of work under way now, working with platforms like facebook and tiktok _ with platforms like facebook and tiktok to — with platforms like facebook and tiktok to start to ensure that information is from validated sources— information is from validated sources and for them to act appropriately when information comes out and _ appropriately when information comes out and it— appropriately when information comes out and it is— appropriately when information comes out and it is not from a valid source _ out and it is not from a valid source~ so— out and it is not from a valid source. so i do know there is work under— source. so i do know there is work under way— source. so i do know there is work under way around this area. what do ou think under way around this area. what do you think on — under way around this area. what do you think on that, _ under way around this area. what do you think on that, dr _ under way around this area. what do you think on that, dr williams? - under way around this area. what do you think on that, dr williams? yes, i believe you think on that, dr williams? yes, i believe the — you think on that, dr williams? yes, i believe the social— you think on that, dr williams? yes, i believe the social media _ you think on that, dr williams? yes, i believe the social media platforms play a _ i believe the social media platforms play a significant _ i believe the social media platforms play a significant role _ i believe the social media platforms play a significant role in _ i believe the social media platforms play a significant role in the - play a significant role in the spread _ play a significant role in the spread of— play a significant role in the spread of valid _ play a significant role in thei spread of valid information, play a significant role in the i spread of valid information, as play a significant role in the - spread of valid information, as well as misinformation. _ spread of valid information, as well as misinformation. and _ spread of valid information, as well as misinformation. and generally, i as misinformation. and generally, people _ as misinformation. and generally, people are — as misinformation. and generally, people are more _ as misinformation. and generally, people are more drawn— as misinformation. and generally, people are more drawn to - people are more drawn to misinformation— people are more drawn to misinformation because l people are more drawn to misinformation because it people are more drawn to . misinformation because it is typically— misinformation because it is typically more _ misinformation because it is typically more emotional- misinformation because it is- typically more emotional stories or 'ust typically more emotional stories or just generallv _ typically more emotional stories or just generally more _ typically more emotional stories or just generally more interesting, i just generally more interesting, rather— just generally more interesting, rather than _ just generally more interesting, rather than factual— just generally more interesting, rather than factual stories. - just generally more interesting, i rather than factual stories. social media _ rather than factual stories. social media platforms— rather than factual stories. social media platforms are _ rather than factual stories. social media platforms are in _ rather than factual stories. social media platforms are in a - rather than factual stories. social media platforms are in a tricky i media platforms are in a tricky position— media platforms are in a tricky position because _ media platforms are in a tricky position because they- media platforms are in a tricky position because they want - media platforms are in a tricky i position because they want traffic to come _ position because they want traffic to come to — position because they want traffic to come to their— position because they want traffic to come to their websites - position because they want traffic i to come to their websites regardless of the _ to come to their websites regardless of the cause — to come to their websites regardless of the cause of— to come to their websites regardless of the cause of the _ to come to their websites regardless

of the cause of the traffic. _ to come to their websites regardless of the cause of the traffic. so - to come to their websites regardless of the cause of the traffic. so i- to come to their websites regardless of the cause of the traffic. so i do. of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe _ of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that — of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that they _ of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that they have _ of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that they have a - of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that they have a role - of the cause of the traffic. so i do believe that they have a role to l believe that they have a role to play in — believe that they have a role to play in stopping _ believe that they have a role to play in stopping the _ believe that they have a role to play in stopping the spread - believe that they have a role to play in stopping the spread of. play in stopping the spread of misinformation, _ play in stopping the spread of misinformation, just - play in stopping the spread of misinformation, just because| play in stopping the spread of. misinformation, just because we play in stopping the spread of- misinformation, just because we live in a technological— misinformation, just because we live in a technological era _ misinformation, just because we live in a technological era where - misinformation, just because we live in a technological era where people i in a technological era where people rely in a technological era where people relv so _ in a technological era where people relv so heavily— in a technological era where people rely so heavily on _ in a technological era where people rely so heavily on social _ in a technological era where people rely so heavily on social media - rely so heavily on social media platforms _ rely so heavily on social media platforms to _ rely so heavily on social media platforms to get _ rely so heavily on social media platforms to get their - rely so heavily on social media platforms to get their daily- rely so heavily on social media - platforms to get their daily news, in some _ platforms to get their daily news, in some cases. _ platforms to get their daily news, in some cases, and _ platforms to get their daily news, in some cases, and this— platforms to get their daily news, in some cases, and this really- in some cases, and this really impacts— in some cases, and this really impacts their— in some cases, and this really impacts their personal- in some cases, and this really impacts their personal health| impacts their personal health decisions _ impacts their personal health decisions. so— impacts their personal health decisions. so i— impacts their personal health decisions. so i think- impacts their personal health decisions. so i think more . impacts their personal health| decisions. so i think more can impacts their personal health - decisions. so i think more can be done _ decisions. so i think more can be done in _ decisions. so i think more can be done in terms _ decisions. so i think more can be done in terms of _ decisions. so i think more can be done in terms of banning - decisions. so i think more can be done in terms of banning certain| done in terms of banning certain posts, _ done in terms of banning certain posts. flagging _ done in terms of banning certain posts, flagging posts _ done in terms of banning certain posts, flagging posts and - done in terms of banning certain posts, flagging posts and just i posts, flagging posts and just preventing _ posts, flagging posts and just preventing the _ posts, flagging posts and just preventing the spread - posts, flagging posts and just preventing the spread of- posts, flagging posts and just preventing the spread of fakej posts, flagging posts and just - preventing the spread of fake news stories. _ preventing the spread of fake news stories, particularly— preventing the spread of fake news stories, particularly from _ preventing the spread of fake news stories, particularly from certain i stories, particularly from certain anti-vaccine _ stories, particularly from certain anti—vaccine groups. _ stories, particularly from certain anti—vaccine groups. i— stories, particularly from certain anti—vaccine groups. i think- stories, particularly from certain i anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms — anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms also _ anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms also provide _ anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms also provide a - anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms also provide a sort - anti—vaccine groups. i think these platforms also provide a sort of l platforms also provide a sort of breathing — platforms also provide a sort of breathing ground _ platforms also provide a sort of breathing ground for— platforms also provide a sort of breathing ground for these - platforms also provide a sort of i breathing ground for these groups platforms also provide a sort of - breathing ground for these groups to organise _ breathing ground for these groups to organise and — breathing ground for these groups to organise and plan _ breathing ground for these groups to organise and plan other— breathing ground for these groups to organise and plan other events - organise and plan other events outside — organise and plan other events outside of— organise and plan other events outside of the _ organise and plan other events outside of the online _ organise and plan other events outside of the online world - organise and plan other events| outside of the online world that organise and plan other events - outside of the online world that can cause _ outside of the online world that can cause harm — outside of the online world that can cause harm to— outside of the online world that can cause harm to the _ outside of the online world that can cause harm to the vaccine - cause harm to the vaccine distribution— cause harm to the vaccine distribution process. - cause harm to the vaccine distribution process. dr. cause harm to the vaccine distribution process. dr anwar, i have a question _ distribution process. dr anwar, i have a question for _ distribution process. dr anwar, i have a question for you. - distribution process. dr anwar, i have a question for you. a - distribution process. dr anwar, i| have a question for you. a couple distribution process. dr anwar, i- have a question for you. a couple of questions on efficacy, actually. this is from jonathan. is it safe to wait 12 weeks for the pfizer second dose, which seems to run against the

own guidelines from pfizer as far as front line health workers are concerned and they are worried. that cuestion is concerned and they are worried. that question is probably better and said they asher williams. yes, question is probably better and said they asher williams.— they asher williams. yes, the efficacy data _ they asher williams. yes, the efficacy data we _ they asher williams. yes, the efficacy data we have - they asher williams. yes, the efficacy data we have from - they asher williams. yes, the i efficacy data we have from these vaccines — efficacy data we have from these vaccines are _ efficacy data we have from these vaccines are based _ efficacy data we have from these vaccines are based on _ efficacy data we have from these vaccines are based on two - efficacy data we have from these vaccines are based on two doses| vaccines are based on two doses being _ vaccines are based on two doses being received _ vaccines are based on two doses being received and _ vaccines are based on two doses being received and your- vaccines are based on two doses being received and your body . vaccines are based on two doses i being received and your body being able to— being received and your body being able to completely _ being received and your body being able to completely build _ being received and your body being able to completely build up - being received and your body being able to completely build up those i able to completely build up those defences — able to completely build up those defences you _ able to completely build up those defences you need _ able to completely build up those defences you need to _ able to completely build up those defences you need to achieve - defences you need to achieve immunity~ _ defences you need to achieve immunity. when _ defences you need to achieve immunity. when you - defences you need to achieve immunity. when you get - defences you need to achieve j immunity. when you get your defences you need to achieve - immunity. when you get your first dose, _ immunity. when you get your first dose. you — immunity. when you get your first dose. you are _ immunity. when you get your first dose, you are sort _ immunity. when you get your first dose, you are sort of— immunity. when you get your first dose, you are sort of introducing i immunity. when you get your first| dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen — dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen of— dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen of the _ dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen of the spike _ dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen of the spike protein - dose, you are sort of introducing a pathogen of the spike protein to l pathogen of the spike protein to your body— pathogen of the spike protein to your body and _ pathogen of the spike protein to your body and your _ pathogen of the spike protein to your body and your body - pathogen of the spike protein to your body and your body buildsi pathogen of the spike protein to i your body and your body builds up some _ your body and your body builds up some immunity— your body and your body builds up some immunity —— _ your body and your body builds up some immunity —— a _ your body and your body builds up some immunity —— a pathogen - your body and your body builds up some immunity —— a pathogen ori your body and your body builds up i some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike _ some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike protein~ — some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike protein the _ some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike protein. the second _ some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike protein. the second dose i some immunity —— a pathogen or the spike protein. the second dose is- spike protein. the second dose is necessary— spike protein. the second dose is necessary to _ spike protein. the second dose is necessary to give _ spike protein. the second dose is necessary to give your _ spike protein. the second dose is necessary to give your body - spike protein. the second dose is necessary to give your body the l necessary to give your body the boost _ necessary to give your body the boost to — necessary to give your body the boost to overcome _ necessary to give your body the boost to overcome any - necessary to give your body the i boost to overcome any infection. between — boost to overcome any infection. between first _ boost to overcome any infection. between first and _ boost to overcome any infection. between first and second - boost to overcome any infection. between first and second dose, i boost to overcome any infection. - between first and second dose, there is a chance _ between first and second dose, there is a chance a — between first and second dose, there is a chance a person _ between first and second dose, there is a chance a person can— between first and second dose, there is a chance a person can become - is a chance a person can become infected — is a chance a person can become infected with _ is a chance a person can become infected with covid—19 _ is a chance a person can become infected with covid—19 because l is a chance a person can become i infected with covid—19 because they haven't— infected with covid—19 because they haven't realty— infected with covid—19 because they haven't really fully _ infected with covid—19 because they haven't really fully built _ infected with covid—19 because they haven't really fully built up - infected with covid—19 because they haven't really fully built up those i haven't really fully built up those defences — haven't really fully built up those defences. the _ haven't really fully built up those defences. the first _ haven't really fully built up those defences. the first dose - haven't really fully built up thosei defences. the first dose definitely does provide _ defences. the first dose definitely does provide some _ defences. the first dose definitely does provide some protection, -

does provide some protection, though — does provide some protection, though but _ does provide some protection, though. but until— does provide some protection, though. but until you - does provide some protection, though. but until you get - does provide some protection, though. but until you get that| though. but until you get that second — though. but until you get that second dose, _ though. but until you get that second dose, you _ though. but until you get that second dose, you really- though. but until you get that| second dose, you really need, though. but until you get that - second dose, you really need, even after— second dose, you really need, even after the _ second dose, you really need, even after the second _ second dose, you really need, even after the second dose, _ second dose, you really need, even after the second dose, you - second dose, you really need, even after the second dose, you need . second dose, you really need, even after the second dose, you need to| after the second dose, you need to continue _ after the second dose, you need to continue sticking _ after the second dose, you need to continue sticking to _ after the second dose, you need to continue sticking to public- after the second dose, you need to continue sticking to public safety . continue sticking to public safety guidelines — continue sticking to public safety guidelines. but _ continue sticking to public safety guidelines. but the _ continue sticking to public safety guidelines. but the first - continue sticking to public safety guidelines. but the first dose - continue sticking to public safety| guidelines. but the first dose will provide _ guidelines. but the first dose will provide some _ guidelines. but the first dose will provide some protection. - guidelines. but the first dose will provide some protection. i- guidelines. but the first dose will provide some protection. i thinki guidelines. but the first dose will. provide some protection. i think the distance _ provide some protection. i think the distance between— provide some protection. i think the distance between the _ provide some protection. i think the distance between the first _ provide some protection. i think the distance between the first and - distance between the first and second — distance between the first and second dose _ distance between the first and second dose is— distance between the first and second dose is not— distance between the first and second dose is not too- distance between the first and second dose is not too much. distance between the first and i second dose is not too much of distance between the first and - second dose is not too much of an issue _ second dose is not too much of an issue but — second dose is not too much of an issue but you _ second dose is not too much of an issue. but you don't _ second dose is not too much of an issue. but you don't want - second dose is not too much of an issue. but you don't want to - second dose is not too much of an issue. but you don't want to stray| issue. but you don't want to stray too far— issue. but you don't want to stray too far from — issue. but you don't want to stray too far from what _ issue. but you don't want to stray too far from what is _ issue. but you don't want to stray| too far from what is recommended issue. but you don't want to stray - too far from what is recommended by the company— too far from what is recommended by the company based _ too far from what is recommended by the company based on _ too far from what is recommended by the company based on data _ too far from what is recommended by the company based on data that - too far from what is recommended by the company based on data that they| the company based on data that they have from _ the company based on data that they have from clinical— the company based on data that they have from clinical trials. _ the company based on data that they have from clinical trials. dr— the company based on data that they have from clinical trials.— have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie said — have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie said in _ have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie said in this _ have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie said in this e-mail _ have from clinical trials. dr anwar, jessie said in this e-mail from - jessie said in this e—mail from essex, great question. we hear of the numerous mutations, is it possible the virus could mutate so as to become harmless?- possible the virus could mutate so as to become harmless? again, that would be a question _ as to become harmless? again, that would be a question for— as to become harmless? again, that would be a question for asher- would be a question for asher witiian1s~_ would be a question for asher williams. . would be a question for asher williams. , , , ., would be a question for asher williams. . . . . , williams. yes. viruses mutate by nature, williams. yes. viruses mutate by nature. this _ williams. yes. viruses mutate by nature, this is _ williams. yes. viruses mutate by nature, this is something - williams. yes. viruses mutate by nature, this is something that. williams. yes. viruses mutate by. nature, this is something that they have treen— nature, this is something that they have been doing _ nature, this is something that they have been doing for— nature, this is something that they have been doing for many, - nature, this is something that they have been doing for many, many. have been doing for many, many years _ have been doing for many, many years the — have been doing for many, many years the goat— have been doing for many, many years. the goal of— have been doing for many, many years. the goal of a _ have been doing for many, many years. the goal of a virus - have been doing for many, many years. the goal of a virus is - have been doing for many, many years. the goal of a virus is to. years. the goal of a virus is to spread. — years. the goal of a virus is to spread. to— years. the goal of a virus is to spread, to infect— years. the goal of a virus is to spread, to infect as _ years. the goal of a virus is to spread, to infect as many- years. the goal of a virus is to| spread, to infect as many host years. the goal of a virus is to- spread, to infect as many host cells as possible — spread, to infect as many host cells as possible because _ spread, to infect as many host cells

as possible because without - spread, to infect as many host cells as possible because without a - spread, to infect as many host cells as possible because without a host, as possible because without a host, a virus _ as possible because without a host, a virus cannot — as possible because without a host, a virus cannot exist. _ as possible because without a host, a virus cannot exist. so _ as possible because without a host, a virus cannot exist. so generally i a virus cannot exist. so generally when _ a virus cannot exist. so generally when these — a virus cannot exist. so generally when these mutations _ a virus cannot exist. so generally when these mutations happen, . a virus cannot exist. so generally i when these mutations happen, the virus _ when these mutations happen, the virus tries— when these mutations happen, the virus tries to — when these mutations happen, the virus tries to become _ when these mutations happen, the virus tries to become better- when these mutations happen, the virus tries to become better at - when these mutations happen, the| virus tries to become better at what it does _ virus tries to become better at what it does so — virus tries to become better at what it does so for— virus tries to become better at what it does. so for example, _ virus tries to become better at what it does. so for example, we - virus tries to become better at what it does. so for example, we see - virus tries to become better at whatl it does. so for example, we see with one of— it does. so for example, we see with one of the _ it does. so for example, we see with one of the variants _ it does. so for example, we see with one of the variants that _ it does. so for example, we see with one of the variants that have - one of the variants that have enrerged, _ one of the variants that have enrerged, it _ one of the variants that have enrerged, it is— one of the variants that have emerged, it is much - one of the variants that have emerged, it is much better. one of the variants that havel emerged, it is much better at transmitting, _ emerged, it is much better at transmitting, which _ emerged, it is much better at transmitting, which is - emerged, it is much better at. transmitting, which is something emerged, it is much better at- transmitting, which is something the virus wants— transmitting, which is something the virus wants to — transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. _ transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. i— transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. i am _ transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. i am not— transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. i am not aware - transmitting, which is something the virus wants to do. i am not aware or| virus wants to do. i am not aware or ian— virus wants to do. i am not aware or i am not _ virus wants to do. i am not aware or i am not sure — virus wants to do. i am not aware or tam not sure if— virus wants to do. i am not aware or i am not sure if there _ virus wants to do. i am not aware or i am not sure if there are _ virus wants to do. i am not aware or i am not sure if there are cases - i am not sure if there are cases where — i am not sure if there are cases where mutations— i am not sure if there are cases where mutations happen - i am not sure if there are cases where mutations happen that l i am not sure if there are cases - where mutations happen that make a virus iess— where mutations happen that make a virus less effective _ where mutations happen that make a virus less effective and _ where mutations happen that make a virus less effective and less - virus less effective and less deadtv. _ virus less effective and less deadtv. but _ virus less effective and less deadly, but generally, - virus less effective and less . deadly, but generally, viruses virus less effective and less - deadly, but generally, viruses try to become, — deadly, but generally, viruses try to become, sorry, _ deadly, but generally, viruses try to become, sorry, better- deadly, but generally, viruses try to become, sorry, better at- deadly, but generally, viruses try to become, sorry, better at what| to become, sorry, better at what they— to become, sorry, better at what they are — to become, sorry, better at what they are trying _ to become, sorry, better at what they are trying to _ to become, sorry, better at what they are trying to do. _ to become, sorry, better at what they are trying to do. dr- to become, sorry, better at what they are trying to do. dr williams, thank ou they are trying to do. dr williams, thank you very _ they are trying to do. dr williams, thank you very much _ they are trying to do. dr williams, thank you very much for _ they are trying to do. dr williams, thank you very much for your - they are trying to do. dr williams, thank you very much for your time and also, dr shamaila anwar, it has been good and informative speaking to you. clive, what do you think we have learned over the last hour getting questions and here? i have learned over the last hour getting questions and here? i think we have learnt _ getting questions and here? i think we have learnt from _ getting questions and here? i think we have learnt from three - getting questions and here? i think we have learnt from three very - we have learnt from three very eminent experts that we shouldn't be afraid of the vaccines. their efficacy has been tested. they are

able to deal with the most dominant strain of the virus out there, which according to professorjonathan according to professor jonathan van—tam, according to professorjonathan van—tam, is the kent variant. while there are issues with the pfizer vaccine with the south african variant, that is not seen as the biggest problem as far as the pandemic in this country is concerned, it is the kent variant and vaccines are working there. the overall message i would take away from this discussion over the last hour is if you are bame, if you are white, if you are a person who values your future, you are white, if you are a person who values yourfuture, you are in white, if you are a person who values your future, you are in the middle of this pandemic need to get vaccinated. get your first dose, your mum has taken it, my mum has taken it and she is in her '805, my dad has taken it as well, it is important and it will provide coverage for all of us, whoever you are. . ~' coverage for all of us, whoever you are. . ~ , ., that's it for this special edition of the big debate and your questions answered on the bbc asian network, bbc two and the bbc news channel,

and bbc world news. yes. thank you to all of you who called, texted and got in touch on social media, with your questions. many thanks to you, goodbye. last night, temperatures fell below minus 17 celsius in altnaharra, making it the coldest night of this winter so far. now, as we go through the rest of this week, it's going to remain cold for most. i've put "for most" on this because by the time we get to sunday, it looks like something milder is going to come in from the west. today, though, we continue with snow showers. like in the last few days, some of them forming bands. we won't all see them because they are showers, but we could see them across parts of eastern england, getting into some central areas, a few into wales, a few into northern ireland but, in—between, there'll be a lot of dry weather and, also, a fair bit of sunshine. still feeling cold, though. not breaking freezing in aberdeen. —i in newcastle.

but the winds will be slightly lighter. and if anything, as we go through this evening and overnight, look at the isobars space out, indicating the winds will be lighter again. so, some snow showers in the east, but we could also see one or two possibly getting in across western parts of cornwall. now, the blues on this chart for the rest of the night and into thursday morning really indicate that it is going to be a cold night. by thursday morning, these are the kind of temperatures you can expect in towns and cities. now, —12 in aberdeen, —8 in london. if it falls to —9 — for example, at kew gardens — it will be the first time we've seen that in a decade. so, first thing in the morning, watch out for ice on untreated surfaces. there will still be a lot of dry weather. still a fair bit of sunshine. and a peppering of showers at times across eastern areas. but out towards the west, the cloud will build, turning the sunshine hazy, and then we'll see some sleet and snow, followed by some rain. look at the temperatures, twos and threes, but still cold across central and eastern parts.

on friday, still a lot of dry weather around. we could see some significant snow coming in from the north sea, across north—east scotland. out towards the west, the cloud once again is going to build, and then we see the arrival of some rain later on. but note the temperatures — four in belfast, five in plymouth. central and eastern areas still hovering around freezing. now, what's happening is, we've got this mild atlantic air coming in from the west versus this cold easterly, or south—easterly, coming in from the near—continent. but note how the yellows move that little bit further inland across western parts of the uk. so, on saturday, for many of us, it still is going to be cold. we've got that rain, sleet coming in from the west, possibly some snow as well. now, on sunday, look at the temperatures — they're that bit higher.

this is bbc news, the headlines at 11. england's deputy chief medical officer says he's worried about the lower take up of coronavirus vaccine among ethnic minorities. but he says making jabs mandatory isn't the answer. this virus just doesn't care what ethnic background you are from, does not care about the colour of your scan or regular van the world or any of these things. itjust cares that you are asian men being that you don't have immunity and you are susceptible. itjust cares that you are a human being. the uk government says "don't book any summer holidays just yet." ministers warn travel depends on 'everyone getting a covid—i9 jab,

including in other countries. uk ministers are due to unveil further measures to help thousands