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Vaccination Strategy
12 January 2022
Lead MP
Maggie Throup
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Maggie Throup raised concerns about vaccination strategy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister, Maggie Throup, highlighted the UK's vaccine programme as a critical defence against COVID-19. She reported that over 80% of eligible adults in England have received their booster dose by December, including 87% of those aged over 50. Additionally, more than 1.4 million young people aged between 12 and 15 have been vaccinated since September, with a second dose being offered to children aged 12 to 15 in schools as of January 10th. The Minister emphasised the importance of keeping children in face-to-face education, stating that vaccination is vital for this continuity. She thanked all those involved in making the vaccine programme successful.
Miriam Cates
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Question
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.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by emphasising the confidence in the safety of vaccinating children based on recommendations from medical authorities and data from other countries, stating that it is crucial to protect young people and ensure they remain in education. She acknowledged the risk of myocarditis associated with both vaccination and infection but highlighted the importance of following scientific evidence and clinical advice to safeguard public health.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
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.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that around 80% of people over 18 have been boosted, while 90% and 83% have received their first and second doses respectively. She highlighted that school-age immunisation services are restarting and walk-in centres or booking service can be used for out-of-school appointments. Addressed concerns about travel distance by resolving a specific case mentioned by the MP. Stated that every housebound patient has been offered their booster vaccine, promising to intervene if local authorities fail to act. Announced donation of 30 million doses globally and commitment to donate 100 million by June this year.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
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.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her right hon. Friend for his question, acknowledging the importance of workforce planning. She praised the foresight of the vaccine taskforce in securing vaccines early. Emphasised learning from the programme to improve future vaccinations. Mentions vaccinators coming forward from various backgrounds and expresses gratitude towards volunteers.
Question
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.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterated efforts to ensure rural communities have access through walk-in centres and mobile services. Stated that the UK has already donated 30 million doses globally, with a commitment to donating another 100 million by June this year.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
Asked about risk assessments related to unvaccinated NHS staff leaving the health service and its impact on healthcare access for constituents.
Minister reply
The Minister informed that over 93% of the NHS workforce have received their first jab. Peer-to-peer conversations are ongoing to encourage those who haven't taken up the offer yet, stressing protection both for themselves and their vulnerable patients.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
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.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work of hospital staff and volunteers. Reiterates commitment to COVAX, financial support, and global distribution of AstraZeneca jabs at cost.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Believes in vaccination strategy over further restrictions; argues for an end to regulation telling people how to live.
Minister reply
Reassures that plan B restrictions will be reviewed on 26 January and not kept longer than necessary.
Question
Asks why the Government does not do more to incentivise vaccination, citing hospital cancellations due to unvaccinated patients.
Minister reply
Reassures that they are doing what they can; explains that people are eight times more likely to be hospitalised if unvaccinated and over 60% of ICU admissions are from the unvaccinated.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Asks about reassessment of policy, particularly on sacking NHS staff who are not vaccinated.
Minister reply
Refers to MHRA's recommendation that the benefits outweigh risks; mentions myocarditis cases being rarer in jabbed children than infected ones.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
Proposes national rollout of successful local vaccination initiatives such as vaccine tracing and free cab services.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the variety of measures in place, including pop-up clinics; emphasises the importance of addressing different communities' needs.
Question
Asks for JCVI to revisit new evidence regarding health risks for children.
Minister reply
Acknowledges responsibility and continuous review by JCVI and CMO; ensures CMO will focus on the specific request.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Commends Sheffield for its vaccination efforts but raises issues with availability of new treatments and PCR tests.
Minister reply
Acknowledges confusion; advises contacting GP to confirm eligibility and Test and Trace for missing items.
Question
Asks about Government's stance if a high number of NHS staff remain unvaccinated in a few weeks.
Minister reply
Praises 93% vaccination rate among NHS staff; emphasises patient safety and protection by ensuring carers are vaccinated.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
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.
Minister reply
I do not recognise the data given by the right hon. Gentleman. We have already invested £465 million in a recruitment and retention programme for care home staff.
Question
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.
Minister reply
I completely agree with my right hon. Friend that persuasion is the right way to go.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
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.
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes a very good point, and it is not the first time the issue has been raised with me.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
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.
Minister reply
I wish the hon. Gentleman a happy birthday for yesterday.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
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.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her role in vaccinating probably thousands of people by now.
Question
As vaccination uptake increases, conspiracy theory-inspired groups have hardened their language and threats against those involved in vaccination delivery have also increased.
Minister reply
Misinformation costs lives. It is totally inappropriate, and there is no place for it in our society.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
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.
Minister reply
It is important to go back to some of the stats I set out earlier. Those who are unvaccinated are eight times more likely to be hospitalised, and more than 60% of people in intensive care units are unvaccinated.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
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.
Minister reply
We have our plans in place. We have our vaccination programme, our testing, and our antivirals.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Concerned about the effectiveness of booster shots for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and mentions Israel's fourth dose programme.
Minister reply
Those with clinical vulnerability have received four doses already. JCVI has decided that a fourth dose is not necessary at this stage.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Queries the impact of closing mass vaccination centres, specifically the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Northern Ireland.
Minister reply
Responsibility for location decisions lies with devolved nations, so the matter should be addressed to the relevant Minister.
Question
Expresses support for Government's pandemic approach but questions the rationale behind mandatory vaccinations given omicron variant.
Minister reply
Protecting oneself with a vaccine also protects others; lessons learned from previous variants will be applied.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Asks for information on the roll-out of vaccines to five to 11-year-olds, including timing and identification of those who are immunocompromised.
Minister reply
NHS England is working on determining the best way to vaccinate this vulnerable group.
Question
References Dame Kate Bingham's criticism of the decision to cancel the Valneva contract and its impact on vaccine hesitancy and international responsibilities.
Minister reply
Pays tribute to Dame Kate but cannot comment on commercial decisions.
Question
Requests a single booking system for booster programme in the future to avoid confusion between GP and national systems.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to improve booking services with an eye towards establishing a single system.
Question
Asks for assurances that those who are immunocompromised will receive focus from the Department of Health in future.
Minister reply
Committed to meeting charities and patient representatives to understand their views better.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
Calls for a JCVI review on the basis of new evidence regarding vaccine efficacy against transmission, especially concerning immunocompromised individuals.
Minister reply
Confirms that the vaccine reduces transmission but also emphasises protection for vulnerable populations.
Question
References Samuelson's interpretation of Keynes and asks if JCVI will reconsider recommending vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds in light of omicron.
Minister reply
Confirms the safety and effectiveness of Pfizer vaccine as confirmed by MHRA and recommended by JCVI.
Shadow Comment
Miriam Cates
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister, Miriam Cates, acknowledged the effectiveness of the UK's vaccine roll-out but raised concerns about vaccinating children. She questioned the assessment made by the Government regarding the risk of hospitalisation due to omicron compared with delta for healthy children and asked for a reassessment on the potential impact of child vaccinations on reducing transmission in schools. Cates also pointed out a study showing increased risks of myocarditis following vaccination and questioned the communication strategy that encourages more young people to get vaccinated, particularly in light of the recent NHS press release. She further inquired about the Government's plans for compulsory vaccination of NHS staff.
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