It has been found that Vitamin D increases the expression of the ACE2 receptor, which is a binding site for the coronavirus.
That's an interesting article, thanks.
Vitamin D has a more unknown role (the best known is to bring calcium to the bones), which is to strengthen the immune system
I think it's accepted that vitamin D deficiency is very common, particularly at higher latitudes. It has health benefits, yes. Moderate supplementation makes sense.
It is not just a matter of COVID. With a stronger immune system, people would need less medicine.
Sure, it improves overall health. But this doesn't mean that vitamin D is a viable alternative to vaccination. Evidence in general suggests that it helps with Covid outcomes, the paper linked to above notwithstanding. I might suspect (but have no data) that the link between vitamin D deficiency and skin pigmentation may be a factor in the higher Covid rates amongst the BAME population. Vitamin D may help
to an extent, just like masks help
to an extent. But if you want immunity, your options are either catch it, or take the vaccine.
It's also worth noting in regard to this myth that AZ are providing their vaccine at cost, with no profit motive.
Yes but do Pfizer and the others also manufacture vaccines altruistically and without seeking financial gain?
I'm not denying that large pharmaceutical companies have engaged in some quite egregiously immoral behaviour over the years; Martin Shkreli is not an isolated anomaly. AZ I'm sure are also guilty of questionable practices, just perhaps not with Covid.
Here in the UK, the discussion of how vitamin D might relate to Covid is out in the open; it's not being suppressed. I'm not aware of whether potential links are suppressed in other countries.