UK vaccine adviser says delay of Covid second dose will save lives

JCVI deputy chair defends extended gap between jabs as Hancock warns end of restrictions long way off'

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A representative of the UK's vaccine advisory committee has defended its decision to delay giving people a second dose, saying it will save many lives", as the health secretary, Matt Hancock, warned lifting restrictions was a long, long way off".

Prof Anthony Harnden, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said the evidence was still in favour of delaying the dose, after a small Israeli study on people over the age of 60 suggested a first dose gave just 33% protection from coronavirus.