It has been announced today that adult Britons under the age of 30 will be offered an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine where possible.
The decision follows advice after a review by the drugs regulator, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), found that by the end of March, 79 people in the UK suffered rare blood clots after receiving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and 19 of whom died.
The regulator has said that this was not proof that the jab had caused the clots, however.
It said that the side-effects were extremely rare, the vaccine’s effectiveness was proven, and the benefits of taking the vaccine were still very favourable for the vast majority.
But it did confirm the link was getting firmer.
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"The risk of this rare suspected side effect remains extremely small"
Head of UK medicines regulator Dr June Raine says the risk of rare blood clot is "about 4 people in a million" who receive the AstraZeneca vaccine
Dr June Raine – Chief Executive of the MHRA – confirmed a total of 51 women and 28 men aged 18 to 79 were affected by blood clots, and of those 19 people who have sadly died, three were under the age of 30.
“The risk is four people in a million,” Dr Raine said.
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She also urged anybody suffering the following side effects four days after getting the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab to seek medical attention:
Headaches
Blurred vision
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Leg swelling
Abdominal pain
Bruising or pinpoint spots beyond the vaccination site
Professor Lim Wei Shen – Chair of COVID-19 Immunisation at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – assured that the decision to prioritise a different jab for under 30s was made “out of utmost caution rather than because we have any serious safety concerns”.
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, has said the new advice is a “course correction” for the UK’s “very successful” vaccine rollout.
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Prof Jonathan Van Tam says change in clinical advice for under-30s around Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will have "zero or negligible" effect on "timing of our overall programme" https://t.co/rRyUdgcsszpic.twitter.com/4TFIoJ8xdc
Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously during a visit to Cornwall earlier today that the government believes the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is “safe”, but added: “The crucial thing for everybody is to listen to what the scientists [and] the medical experts have to say later on today.”
For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
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All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
The Manc -
7th April 2021 
