Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, the nation's former deputy chief medical officer and a pivotal figure in the Covid-19 vaccine campaign, has taken up a new role as a senior medical consultant for Moderna.
Recognised by many as "JVT", Sir Jonathan became a beacon of trust during the pandemic, frequently appearing during Downing Street briefings. His unique ability to demystify the complexities of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout using relatable metaphors made him a household name.
After being knighted in the 2022 New Year Honours for his unparalleled contributions to public health, Sir Jonathan's transition to Moderna has been a topic of keen interest. This move follows his departure from the UK government post in March 2022 and his subsequent affiliation with the University of Nottingham.
Moderna's official statement assures that Sir Jonathan's appointment adheres to the Department of Health and Social Care's business appointment guidelines. Dr. Paul Burton, Moderna's chief medical officer, highlighted Sir Jonathan's vast experience in influenza epidemiology, transmission, and vaccinology, emphasising his global stature as an academic and educator.
Sir Jonathan's knack for using football analogies to communicate intricate scientific concepts played a crucial role in guiding the nation during the pandemic's tumultuous times.
This development has also sparked discussions around the transition of government figures into significant business roles. It's essential to note that Sir Jonathan is bound by ethical guidelines, preventing him from using privileged government information for commercial benefits.
Under the UK government's initiative during the pandemic, 77 million doses of the Moderna vaccine were procured. This was part of a broader strategy that included vaccine acquisitions from Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer. The UK's recent 10-year agreement with Moderna aims to bolster vaccine production, preparing for potential future pandemics.
