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Vaccine Roll-out
21 January 2021
Lead MP
Matthew Hancock
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 52
At a Glance
Matthew Hancock raised concerns about vaccine roll-out 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
Government Statement
Yesterday saw a record 1,820 deaths in the UK due to the ongoing pandemic. Despite this grim situation, the Minister highlighted significant progress made in the vaccination programme. Over 5 million doses have been administered across the country, covering more than 4.6 million individuals as of now. The target remains offering vaccinations to all priority groups (1-4) by February 15th. The UK has achieved a higher daily vaccination rate compared to other European countries like France, Spain, and Germany. New sites are being opened continuously in diverse locations including cathedrals, food courts, stadiums, GP surgeries, etc. Local data will be published for better visibility on the progress made. Every 200 vaccinations occur per minute currently. The Minister emphasised adherence to lockdown rules until more people get vaccinated.
Jon Ashworth
Lab
Dudley North
Question
He praised the vaccination centre at Leicester racecourse and asked for an update on vaccinating care home residents by end of January. Inquired about speeding up vaccine roll-out in London and east England where infection rates are high, especially among key workers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Emphasised the role of community pharmacists in administering vaccines to hard-to-reach communities and highlighted concerns about delays or shortages in supply consumables. Asked if there was a contingency plan for vaccine redesign due to new variants.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the NHS's efforts, thanked volunteers supporting vaccination centres, and mentioned pharmacies are crucial, especially reaching minority ethnic communities. He stated that 63% of care home residents have been vaccinated so far with plans to vaccinate all by end January. Regarding vaccine redesign due to new variants, while vigilant, early indications suggest existing vaccines are effective against the new variant.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Waverley
Question
Inquires about the effectiveness of current protective equipment against new variants, calls for border security measures including quarantine hotels and restrictions on household mixing outside bubbles.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that personal protective equipment guidelines are appropriate. Announces significant measures to close travel corridors and monitor international travel for new variants.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Question
Asks about vaccine supply levels over the coming weeks, particularly how disrupted supplies will affect Scotland.
Minister reply
Reassures that vaccines are shared fairly across the UK despite lumpy supply schedules. Emphasises teamwork with NHS and suppliers to maximize distribution.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Battersea
Question
Requests clarity on vaccine roll-out timelines, specifically for housebound individuals over 80 years old.
Minister reply
Confirms that all top four categories will receive offers to be vaccinated by February 15th. Local areas decide the exact order of vaccination.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Inquires about reviewing the policy on delaying second Pfizer dose, considering early second doses for healthcare workers.
Minister reply
Reassures that data supports 12-week dosing schedule. Efficacy remains high between days 14 and 21 after first dose.
Lia Nici
Con
North East Lincolnshire
Question
Congratulates NHS on vaccine roll-out in North East Lincolnshire and asks about personal vaccination records for travel purposes.
Minister reply
Congratulates the local NHS teams. Records are part of health records, but cautious approach to linking with travel due to new variants.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Requests details on discussions with Ministry of Defence for hospital workforce and logistical support during vaccine roll-out.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the significant support from armed forces in both logistics and vaccination efforts.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Inquires about access to vaccines for privately employed domiciliary carers.
Minister reply
Reassures that Category 6 identifies unpaid carers as part of early vaccination efforts.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Requests confirmation on when Oxford vaccine will be used by roving teams and details on housebound individuals.
Minister reply
Confirms work is underway to reach those who are housebound. Michael Franklin chemist in Walthamstow will use the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Robert Largan
Con
High Peak
Question
Inquires about the supply of vaccines to High Peak and the progress made in Derbyshire, highlighting that over 70,000 vaccinations have been administered there.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the efforts of pharmaceutical companies and NHS staff. Reports that Derbyshire has vaccinated 65% of its over-80s population, almost matching the national average.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Asks for commitment to allow all General Pharmaceutical Council-registered technicians to administer vaccines in community pharmacies.
Minister reply
Agrees with the idea but emphasises that supply is currently the limiting factor, hence prioritising larger sites to maximize throughput.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Requests more capacity and quicker vaccination in Ashfield.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for more progress and highlights that supply is currently limiting the rate of vaccinations.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Raises concerns about frontline ambulance staff not receiving vaccines, suggesting a possible solution to vaccinate them while they wait in hospital queues.
Minister reply
Confirms that frontline ambulance staff are prioritised and agrees to review the suggestion to prevent vaccine wastage.
John Howell
Con
Henley
Question
Inquires about the operational date of a vaccination centre at Harwell.
Minister reply
Responds that he will write with all details on the progress of the Harwell project, which is led by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Expresses concern about people's understanding of vaccine efficacy and public health guidance after vaccination.
Minister reply
Emphasises the importance of continued adherence to public health guidelines despite being vaccinated.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Suggests prioritising key workers once the most vulnerable are vaccinated.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the suggestion and indicates consideration of key worker prioritization based on data analysis.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
Highlights vaccine hesitancy among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and asks about initiatives to address this.
Minister reply
Reports extensive work being led by the vaccines roll-out Minister to reach all communities.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Question
Asks for updates on care home visit restrictions and the use of lateral flow tests to vet potential visitors.
Minister reply
Confirms that lateral flow tests are viable and reliable. Promises to review real-world vaccine effectiveness data before considering easing restrictions.
Question
The UK has acquired the rights to vaccinate more than the entire population multiple times over. Will the Secretary of State tell us what steps the UK Government are taking to make sure that surplus doses of the vaccine are shared with less developed countries around the world, and will he encourage other countries to do likewise?
Minister reply
We have put more money into international efforts to ensure global vaccination than any other country. This includes both financial contributions and support for UK research leading to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine which is appropriate for use in developing nations.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
There has been some great vaccine stuff happening in North West Durham, with 98% of the care homes done and the housebound having started from last week. However, I have a big rural area where people are more than 10 miles from a vaccine centre. When will small hubs be started and when will smaller community pharmacies get the vaccine?
Minister reply
The vaccination of 98% in North West Durham is commendable. For very rural areas, mobile sites may be sent to ensure everyone is within 10 miles of a vaccination site. By February 15th, everyone will have an offer for vaccination, with options for local or travel-based vaccines.
Question
Without increasing the current dose production to 5 million, we are vaccinating until the end of the year. This causes anxiety among people who may not know when they will be vaccinated. Will the Secretary of State require doctors and NHS to text or write to patients outlining their place on the list?
Minister reply
All those over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable will receive an offer before February 15th. For others, invitations will come based on clinical need, ensuring that everyone is contacted through NHS channels.
Question
What action is being taken to ensure all elderly residents in the first priority groups are aware of their vaccination offer from their GP practices?
Minister reply
We have been and will continue to contact those in the top four priority groups before February 15th. The MP himself has volunteered at his local vaccination centre, highlighting the efforts on the ground.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
May I ask about young carers? Many of them are looking after people in the clinically vulnerable group. Will the Secretary of State add young carers to his list for early vaccination?
Minister reply
I will look into prioritising young carers who care for clinically vulnerable individuals, appreciating their significant role during this pandemic.
Question
Coronavirus deaths are 10% higher in areas with slightly higher air pollution. Will the Secretary of State ensure that World Health Organisation air-quality limits are introduced to the Environment Bill next week?
Minister reply
The link between air pollution and increased risk of dying from covid is acknowledged, and discussions have been ongoing with the relevant departments.
Question
A large number of people over 80 in Sittingbourne and Sheppey have not yet received their vaccinations. What can be done to ensure that both local primary care networks receive the required quantity of vaccines?
Minister reply
More doses are being sent to areas with less progress, prioritising those who need it most by February 15th. Adjustments might occur due to lumpy supply chains but efforts will be made to deliver as planned.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
What can the Health Secretary give an assurance that he will provide leadership on public messaging and set out a route map for the return of liberties and freedoms?
Minister reply
Leadership on public messaging is crucial. The focus remains on ensuring rapid vaccine roll-out to safely restore normal life, but definitive timelines depend on the impact of vaccines on transmission.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Question
Will the Minister congratulate Anthony McKeever and his team on ensuring that people in Southend are vaccinated? Will he reassure me that Southend will receive its fair share of vaccines, that the four most vulnerable groups will all be vaccinated by the middle of February, and that people in their 80s and 90s will not be asked to travel long distances to a hub in Wickford?
Minister reply
Yes, the Minister aims for equitable vaccine distribution. Eighty thousand people have now been vaccinated in Southend's Mid and Essex area.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
The flooding over the past few days has already displaced thousands from their homes. Can he tell us whether the Government have a plan for vaccinating people displaced due to flooding?
Minister reply
Yes, the Minister acknowledges that flooding brings challenges but is committed to overcoming them.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Question
My inbox is overflowing with messages from elderly residents desperately worried about their vaccine availability. What reassurance can my right hon. Friend give to my North Devon constituents?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that all parts of the UK will receive vaccines by 15 February, especially focusing on areas that need more supply.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham
Question
Can I plead with the Secretary of State to stop the hype and spin, ensure primary care has enough notice to organise this process, and be honest about supply issues?
Minister reply
The Minister praises County Durham's vaccination progress and acknowledges challenges but remains optimistic.
Roger Gale
Con
Thanet South
Question
Would my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State consider ensuring that all hospitals have vaccine supplies, and when priority groups are addressed, will he give particular attention to teachers and police constabulary?
Minister reply
The Minister is opening more vaccination centres in East Kent and considers the case for early vaccination for teachers and police.
Ian Mearns
Lab
Durham
Question
Based on evidence showing higher infection rates among school staff, should school staff be ramped up the vaccination priority list?
Minister reply
The Minister is open to vaccinating teachers and school staff once vulnerable groups are prioritised.
Richard Fuller
Con
North West Bedfordshire
Question
What is the policy on vaccination of residents in care homes where a recent positive case has been recorded?
Minister reply
The Minister advises that vaccinations can proceed with local primary care networks while ensuring infection control measures.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Question
Will the Health Secretary please ask NHS England to look urgently at lending its support for opening a community pharmacy site in Greenford?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to see what can be done.
Andy Carter
Lab
Warrington South
Question
Can he tell the House what plans he has to open 24-hour vaccination centres in the north-west, so that anyone who works shifts or has caring responsibilities can access a vaccination at a time when they might be available?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to pilot overnight vaccination centres for shift workers.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
I commend everybody involved in the vaccine roll-out programme for ensuring that all care home residents in Slough have received their first dose. I also thank the Health and Social Care Secretary and his team for agreeing to site one of the mass-vaccination centres in my Slough constituency, which has been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic. Can the Secretary of State advise when detailed data will be published on the vaccine roll-out, so that local public health teams and others can identify issues, and will that data be by age, ethnicity, region and level of deprivation?
Minister reply
This afternoon, we will be publishing much more detailed local information. The hon. Member is quite right about Slough—it has had a tough time in this pandemic—but it will get the vaccination centre, which is great. It was a real pleasure earlier in the week to have a Zoom with members of the Slough NHS team who have delivered this, and I am glad that he is as proud of them as I am.
Question
First, can I praise and thank all the NHS staff in Dorset for doing a wonderful job fighting this pandemic? Secondly, we hear from some scientists that they want the country locked down until June when 70% of the population will have been inoculated. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is about risk mitigation, not elimination, and that a path out of this lockdown is a decision for politicians, not scientists and modellers?
Minister reply
The decisions we take are decisions for politicians, guided by the best possible science. The safety element is paramount as is the speed. As we see more information about the effect of the vaccine on transmission, we will be able to make clearer judgments about lifting some restrictions.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
Clear and timely communications are vital in maximising the take-up of the vaccine. Where people have not responded to an invitation letter, I understand that they will receive a phone call and that phone calls will also be used to ensure that all appointment slots are used. Can the Secretary of State assure me that calls will be accompanied by SMS text messages to ensure that deaf people and those with a hearing loss are not left behind?
Minister reply
Wherever possible is the answer. The NHS has not in the past collected people’s mobile numbers routinely or their email addresses, hence why this roll-out is primarily being done through invitations by letter. I hope that as part of this roll-out we can make sure that the NHS can put people’s email addresses and mobile numbers on their clinical record, where people consent to that of course.
Question
Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking Bury Council, our local CCG, NHS staff, medical practitioners and all those involved in the vaccine roll-out in Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington? Approximately 19,000 vaccinations will have been given by the end of this week across the borough of Bury, and we are confident that all frontline workers and care home residents will be offered the vaccine by Sunday. It has been and continues to be a magnificent effort.
Minister reply
That is absolutely fantastic to hear. Across Greater Manchester as a whole, 187,947 vaccines have been done. It has been a huge effort, and I am very grateful for my hon. Friend’s support.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
Frustrations with the Welsh Government’s roll-out programme are well documented, and health boards in Wales have this week had to contend with some supply issues. Can the Minister reassure me that any supply issues are being addressed? Given that Wales has the largest proportion of people aged over 70 in the UK at over 17%, can he give us some reassurance that Wales will receive a vaccine allocation that reflects the level of relative need?
Minister reply
All the three devolved nations are getting their vaccine according to fair shares and at the same speed as England. While supply is the rate limiting factor across the board, the same supply is going in the right proportions across all four nations.
Question
Yesterday I visited the vaccination hubs at the civic centre in Folkestone and at Lydd airport, which along with the Oaklands surgery in Hythe are doing a great job in vaccinating the local community. Does my right hon. Friend agree that in Kent we also need to see the mass vaccination centres opening as soon as possible, which can process tens of thousands of people a week?
Minister reply
Yes, I agree with my hon. Friend, and I am delighted to say that next week a new vaccination centre will open in Folkestone, serving the people not only of Folkestone, but of the wider area across parts of east Kent.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Question
Wakefield CCG decided not to provide information to local residents about the vaccination roll-out here. It said it feared it would lead to awkward questions from a sceptical public about differential treatment—a kind of postcode lottery for key workers, the elderly and the chronically sick. Can the Secretary of State confirm the comments he has made today about the release of more granular data? However, they are to be provided by huge and remote sustainability and transformation partnerships, so will we know what is happening at the local level to maintain local public confidence? Finally, will he comment on reports in the Health Service Journal today that next week, the amount of vaccine will be cut by half in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Minister reply
I am delighted that across West Yorkshire and Harrogate as a whole, more than 150,000 vaccines have now been done. I would say to anybody that coming forward for a vaccination when invited by the NHS is the right thing to do. Far from sceptical, the public are hugely enthusiastic about this vaccine programme.
Question
Can the Secretary of State speed up the delivery of vaccines to London, so that we can catch up with other areas? Will he also emphasise that while the vaccine gives us all hope for the future—hope that restrictions can start to be lifted—until that point we have to be cautious and stick to the rules, because the virus is lethal and is putting immense pressure on our hospitals, and sadly we are not out of the woods yet?
Minister reply
I agree with every word my right hon. Friend said. I am really pleased that this week Brand Russell pharmacy in East Barnet is opening for vaccinations, and we are accelerating the amount of vaccinations in London, which is the region in England that has the most to do.
Question
I fully appreciate and respect that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has a very strict protocol for the roll-out of vaccines, but have it and the Secretary of State considered the notion that staff working to develop and produce vaccines, like those at Valneva in my constituency, should get a vaccination as soon as possible? Will he give some consideration to this and discuss it with the JCVI?
Minister reply
I will consider that request given the importance of the vaccine supply, which is critical for everybody else to get their vaccinations too.
Question
This morning Maidstone Hospital rather wonderfully did its 10,000th vaccination. Medway Maritime Hospital has done 5,000, Malling and Blackthorn primary care networks have pretty much completed the first priority groups, and Lordswood PCN, which is only two weeks old, is motoring along to deliver the vaccine to vulnerable groups in Chatham. This is all down to incredible work of all those involved, and I am sure the Secretary of State will join me in paying tribute to them. However, the one piece of feedback I repeatedly get across my constituency is the lack of consistency in supply, so will he reassure me that those who are delivering on target will not be penalised by their own success and that they will get the stock they need to continue to vaccinate priority groups on the list?
Minister reply
Yes, of course, we have to make sure that the priority groups are all offered the vaccine everywhere in the country and are able to be vaccinated by 15 February. I totally agree with her about the great effort locally. Reaching 10,000 vaccinations is superb.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
In St Albans, the GP-led vaccination centre at Batchwood Hall is only supplied with vaccines for two days a week. The MP asks if there are plans to support existing centres rather than setting up new ones.
Minister reply
Supply limitations mean that vaccination centres must be set up where they are most needed. Pharmacy plays an important role in vaccine distribution, and the Government aims to ensure maximum supply with as much notice as possible.
Question
In Shropshire, there is concern about delayed vaccination for those over 80 years old. The MP asks if the Minister can look into this specific issue and prioritise deliveries to areas lagging behind in vaccinations.
Minister reply
Across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin, 14,000 doses have been delivered to the over-80s. The minister will investigate the primary care network issue raised by the MP.
Question
Reports suggest that up to a fifth of staff in some care homes have refused the vaccine. The MP asks if there is data on this and what plans are in place to address it.
Minister reply
While not all staff take the vaccine, reassurance campaigns are effective in increasing uptake over time. Overall enthusiasm for vaccination among residents and staff has risen significantly.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
The MP asks if people with a terminal cancer diagnosis will be included in the vulnerable groups for vaccination.
Minister reply
Vulnerable groups are determined clinically. Those to whom regular letters were sent during the pandemic fall under this category.
Question
The MP thanks everyone involved in Peterborough’s vaccine roll-out and asks if there are plans for a mass vaccination centre in the city.
Minister reply
There will be a mass vaccination centre open next week, complementing GP sites across the city.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
The MP praises Cardiff and Vale University health board's vaccine roll-out progress but raises concerns about supply issues due to flooding in Wrexham and a fire at the Serum Institute of India. The MP asks what measures are being taken.
Minister reply
Despite challenges, the Government is working to ensure capacity for manufacturing and distribution, expanding UK capabilities and sourcing vaccines from various international sources.
Shadow Comment
Huw Merriman
Shadow Comment
Acknowledging the Secretary of State’s efforts, Huw Merriman raised concerns about vaccine distribution in rural areas like East Sussex. He proposed a new contract with GPs ensuring only AstraZeneca vaccines are supplied since it is easier to store than Pfizer. He also suggested directing priority groups 5-9 to hub centres and using local surgeries for second dose appointments. Merriman further requested more forward-looking supply estimates from manufacturers to help county teams plan better. He welcomed the statement but urged weekly opportunities for MPs to question Government members.
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