British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday called opponents of vaccines "crazy", promoting the new expanded influenza vaccination program in the United Kingdom.
“There are all these anti-vaccines now. They're crazy, ”he exclaimed during a visit to a medical center in London.
Expand influenza vaccination
His Conservative government has expanded its flu vaccination program, amid fears that health services will be overwhelmed in the event of a new wave of coronavirus contamination.
The vaccine will now be free for people over 50, more vulnerable groups and young children. The stated goal is to vaccinate 30 million people.
A second wave of the novel coronavirus this winter could kill up to 120,000 UK hospitals in a "reasonable worst case scenario" without adequate preparation, according to a government-commissioned scientific study.
The study recommends implementing an information campaign with specific advice for frail people, to increase the capacity for tests and to vaccinate people at risk and health personnel.
A vaccine against Covid-19, the only way to return to "normalcy"
With more than 45,000 dead, the United Kingdom is the country in Europe most bereaved by the Covid-19 pandemic. Wearing a mask became compulsory in stores in England on Friday.
According to the UN, a vaccine is the only possible route for a return to "normalcy". But according to a recent YouGov poll, 16% of Britons would “probably” or “definitely” refuse such a vaccine, especially among those who inquire through social networks.
The anti-vaccine movement has gained ground in recent years, relying in particular on false scientific studies linking vaccination and autism.
World
Coronavirus in UK: Boris Johnson hopes for a return to normal between November and Christmas
Health
Coronavirus: Washington orders 100 million doses of a potential vaccine
- Influenza
- Antivaccine
- Covid 19
- Vaccine
- Coronavirus
- World
- United Kingdom