Covid-19 Pharmaceutical Interventions 2022-03-01
2022-03-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about the measures being taken to bolster defenses against covid-19, specifically focusing on vaccine and antiviral strategies.
What steps he is taking to build covid-19 defences through pharmaceutical interventions. NHS staff and volunteers are working tirelessly on vaccination programmes. The offer of first, second, and booster doses remains open. Oral antivirals have been rolled out in the community as part of a range of treatment options.
Vaccines remain our best line of defence. The offer of first, second, and booster doses is always open. Oral antivirals have been rolled out in the community as part of a range of NHS treatment options to provide another line of defence.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccinating healthy children aged five to 11, citing reports from other countries and a lack of long-term data.
It was announced that vaccinations will be offered to healthy five to 11-year-olds. The JCVI calculates that 2 million children need to be vaccinated to prevent one ICU admission, so serious side effects exceeding one in 2 million would constitute harm. Given the reports of myocarditis and lack of long-term safety data, how confident is the Government that vaccinating healthy five to 11-year-olds will do more good than harm?
We accepted JCVI advice that a single dose of vaccine offers greater health benefits than potential risks. This is a non-urgent offer, and priority remains vaccinating the most vulnerable.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns about myocarditis and long-term safety data were not directly addressed.
Response accuracy