Vaccination Strategy

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The Shadow Minister questioned the effectiveness of vaccinating children to keep them in face-to-face education, given that omicron is now dominant. She also expressed concerns about myocarditis risks following vaccination and asked for evidence supporting recent NHS communication encouraging more young people to get vaccinated. Lastly, she sought clarification on the Government's stance regarding compulsory vaccinations for NHS staff.

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Asked the Minister to explain her assessment of current vaccine take-up rates, which have dropped to their lowest since mid-October. Inquired about plans to increase vaccination among 12 to 17-year-olds after reports of long waits for appointments in remote areas. Also asked how misinformation and NHS covid passes affect uptake rates, and what steps are being taken to vaccinate housebound and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals. Lastly, questioned the Government's commitment to global vaccine distribution.

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Acknowledged the success of the vaccination programme, highlighting its foundation during the first wave. Raised concerns about diverting GPs for vaccinations leading to a reduction in other treatments. Inquired about when a workforce plan considering new responsibilities will be released and if Health Education England's budget has been agreed.

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Complimented Scotland's vaccination roll-out, ranking it second worldwide for booster doses administered. Suggested beginning a serious campaign of vaccine sharing with poorer countries while welcoming 30 million donated doses as insufficient.

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Asked about risk assessments related to unvaccinated NHS staff leaving the health service and its impact on healthcare access for constituents.

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Pays tribute to staff at St Thomas’ Hospital for their work on vaccinations. Asks what the Government are doing to ensure equitable access to vaccines globally.

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Believes in vaccination strategy over further restrictions; argues for an end to regulation telling people how to live.

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Asks why the Government does not do more to incentivise vaccination, citing hospital cancellations due to unvaccinated patients.

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Asks about reassessment of policy, particularly on sacking NHS staff who are not vaccinated.

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Proposes national rollout of successful local vaccination initiatives such as vaccine tracing and free cab services.

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Asks for JCVI to revisit new evidence regarding health risks for children.

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Commends Sheffield for its vaccination efforts but raises issues with availability of new treatments and PCR tests.

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Asks about Government's stance if a high number of NHS staff remain unvaccinated in a few weeks.

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I must say that I am amazed at the Minister’s complacency about the potential loss of staff as a result of the vaccine mandate. The care sector has lost 54,000 people who refused to take the vaccine, with the result that hospital beds are blocked, care packages are not being given and care homes are under pressure.

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My sources in the NHS tell me that last week they received either from the Department or from NHS England instructions effectively on how to go about firing people from the NHS in April if they have not been vaccinated.

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With rates of infection high among teenagers, many are simply unable to get double vaccinated yet as they were infected in the period when they would have been eligible and had to wait 12 weeks to get the jab.

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Having turned 60 yesterday, I feel I ought to ask a question about the elderly. Quite a lot of people in the elderly group who have had their booster vaccines will have had them in September and October of last year.

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I want to focus on children. I have worked in hospital over the past month and have been looking after children who have had positive tests.

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As vaccination uptake increases, conspiracy theory-inspired groups have hardened their language and threats against those involved in vaccination delivery have also increased.

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When the facts change, we are entitled to change our minds, and since we passed the regulated activity regulations in December we have had further evidence to suggest that the transmissibility of covid declines after 10 or 12 weeks.

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I wish to follow the question raised by the right hon. Member for South West Wiltshire, because the reality is that the facts have changed, and depleting efficacy, as well as transmissibility, is presenting a challenge for the Government.

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Concerned about the effectiveness of booster shots for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and mentions Israel's fourth dose programme.

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Queries the impact of closing mass vaccination centres, specifically the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Northern Ireland.

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Expresses support for Government's pandemic approach but questions the rationale behind mandatory vaccinations given omicron variant.

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Asks for information on the roll-out of vaccines to five to 11-year-olds, including timing and identification of those who are immunocompromised.

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References Dame Kate Bingham's criticism of the decision to cancel the Valneva contract and its impact on vaccine hesitancy and international responsibilities.

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Requests a single booking system for booster programme in the future to avoid confusion between GP and national systems.

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Asks for assurances that those who are immunocompromised will receive focus from the Department of Health in future.

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Calls for a JCVI review on the basis of new evidence regarding vaccine efficacy against transmission, especially concerning immunocompromised individuals.

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References Samuelson's interpretation of Keynes and asks if JCVI will reconsider recommending vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds in light of omicron.