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Covid-19 Vaccinations

04 November 2021

Lead MP

Maggie Throup

Debate Type

Ministerial Statement

Tags

NHSSocial CareEmployment
Other Contributors: 14

At a Glance

Maggie Throup raised concerns about covid-19 vaccinations 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

NHSSocial CareEmployment
Government Statement
With permission, Mr Speaker, I will update the House on our covid-19 vaccination programme. Since Margaret Keenan's first dose last year, we have delivered more than 100 million doses across the UK, including over 50 million first doses, 45 million second doses, and 8 million booster/third doses. The vaccine roll-out is critical for protecting public health and preventing hospitalisations; the Health Security Agency estimates that vaccines have prevented over 24 million infections and more than 127,000 deaths. With winter approaching, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure high levels of protection through boosters, especially as indoor mixing increases and flu circulates. We now have 2,400 vaccine sites across England offering walk-ins or booked appointments regardless of NHS numbers, with community champions working locally to encourage uptake. The programme for children aged 12-15 has seen over 650,000 vaccinated since September, and we are rolling out boosters rapidly, with over 8 million people already receiving them and a record 1.6 million jabs in England last week. NHS staff continue to play a vital role, administering hundreds of thousands of booster doses daily. Additionally, the Government is working on delivering antiviral treatments like molnupiravir to patients as part of our comprehensive strategy. We urge everyone to get their vaccinations and boosters when eligible to safeguard public health.

Shadow Comment

Rosena Allin-Khan
Shadow Comment
I thank the Minister for her statement but express concern over the stalling vaccination programme as winter approaches. The clinically vulnerable are struggling to access necessary jabs, and only 23% of care home residents in Leicester have received their booster doses by November's deadline. In Wandsworth, just 67% have had two doses, highlighting systemic issues that disproportionately affect less affluent areas. Child vaccination rates remain shockingly low at around 20%, exacerbated by half-term disruptions. The current trend suggests we won't complete the booster programme until spring 2022; a target of 500,000 boosters per day is essential to combat this. Additionally, improved ventilation and sick pay are critical but unaddressed by the Government. As winter looms, the absence of robust measures places lives at risk.
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