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Deputy CMO Jonathan Van Tam insists the new vaccine trials will be thorough regardless of the urgency.
He tells a No 10 briefing: "Standards are no lower despite this being a public health emergency".
He tells a No 10 briefing: "Standards are no lower despite this being a public health emergency".
JVT "absolutely trusts" safety & efficacy of new vaccine if it passes safety tests.
"If I could rightly and morally be at the very front of the queue then I would absolutely do so.
"But that clearly isn't right, we have to target the most high risk individuals in society".
"If I could rightly and morally be at the very front of the queue then I would absolutely do so.
"But that clearly isn't right, we have to target the most high risk individuals in society".
JVT also cites the "mum test" and says he's told his mother (in her 70s) to be ready for the vaccine when she's called.
Tone spot on - we are all thinking about keeping our mums and dads (or grandparents) safe.
Tone spot on - we are all thinking about keeping our mums and dads (or grandparents) safe.
JVT unequivocal that the vaccine must be available for everybody - with no fast track for those who can afford to buy it. 
"These vaccines needs to be prioritised to those who need them not those who can afford to pay for them privately".
"These vaccines needs to be prioritised to those who need them not those who can afford to pay for them privately".
He adds that the vaccines must be used for public health purposes first. Says he doesn't know of any plans from manufacturers to do anything other than that. Adds that he "doesn't have any inkling" of plans for private distribution in UK - but that's a decision for ministers.
JVT acknowledges that distributing vaccine is challenge - refrigeration, transport, syringes etc
But says he's "v reassured" and "army of people" have been working on this for months. Pop up vax centres, home visits etc
"We need speed and high uptake to get the big win here."
But says he's "v reassured" and "army of people" have been working on this for months. Pop up vax centres, home visits etc
"We need speed and high uptake to get the big win here."
