Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser, answers questions from media at No10 Downing Street press briefing

The transcript emphasizes the importance of vaccinating eligible individuals to increase immunity and control infection rates. It highlights the role of immunity in allowing lighter control measures and stresses the need to monitor hospitalizations as a key indicator of the pandemic's direction. The principles of taking early and significant action with proper geographical coverage are also discussed.

Why is it crucial to vaccinate the unvaccinated population?

• To increase the number of hospitalizations

• To reduce the immunity levels

• To make the virus spread faster

• To significantly lower infection rates

What is a key indicator of the pandemic's direction?

• The rate of new infections

• The number of vaccinated people

• The level of public gatherings

• The number of hospitalizations

How have vaccines changed the relationship between cases and hospitalizations?

• They have made the relationship weaker

• They have increased the number of cases

• They have made the relationship stronger

• They have had no effect

What is one principle of taking action against rising cases?

• Focus only on local areas

• Act later than you think necessary

• Ensure early and significant measures

• Wait until cases are very high

Why is geographical coverage important in controlling the pandemic?

• To focus on rural areas only

• To ensure only urban areas are covered

• To limit the spread to specific cities

• To make sure all regions are equally protected