A mass vaccination centre is opening today at the Palacio de Juegos in Almeria.
This is for people in the Almeria Health district and only by appointment.
There are smaller centres now operating in other towns around the province.
The current vaccinations are for over 80s with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and for under 55s with the Astra Zeneca vaccine for specific people such as teachers and remaining health workers.
All vaccinations are by appointment only.
It is impossible to know how long it will take for the vaccinations to extend to the next age group, 70 to 79.
It depends on the delivery of the vaccine.
Could be the end of March if deliveries increase.
Lots of estimates, but there seems to be optimism that at least 70% of the population will be vaccinated by June/July.
The infection rate for Spain is 340 per 100,000, and slowly falling, despite minor lack downs.
It is stated that those with the vaccination will have a much lower chance of spreading the virus, a figure of 50% has been quoted in the UK.
Obviously this has not yet had an effect in Spain because current vaccinations have only been for care home residents and front line health workers.
The over 80s programme has only been running for a week.
This raises the question of to what extent the vaccination will reduce the spread, because in the UK, with a massive cover of vaccinations for 2 months, the infection rate is 860 per 100,000, with major lock down.
So is the UK variant the reason, and will we face a problem if it spreads here in Spain.
It is currently accounting for around 20% of infections.
