Letter: I applaud UK's approach to coronavirus vaccines

From Dave Ketteridge, Hatfield, South Yorkshire, UK

Despite calls to put global interests above national interests when it comes to coronavirus vaccines, we should wave a flag for the UK’s approach (6 February, p 12).

While it is well ahead in terms of vaccine supply compared with many countries thanks to its bilateral deals, it is giving £548 million to the COVAX programme to assist lower-income countries. Meanwhile, the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca consortium is providing doses of its vaccine on a not-for-profit basis until the pandemic is under control.

The UK’s early orders for vaccines enormously helped producers to have the confidence to expand their programmes, even though products weren’t approved at the time – quite a gamble by the UK. No doubt any spare doses will go to other parts of the globe.