Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Booster Vaccinations

Tuesday 23 November 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Booster dose criteria for covid-19 vaccines are subject to change based on the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
  • NHS England has issued guidance to clinical commissioning groups on managing appointments and communicating eligibility for booster vaccines.
  • For those who are housebound or in care homes, booster jabs are provided directly by GPs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
NHS
Context

The UK's vaccination programme is noted as a success but concerns arise about ongoing effectiveness and public confusion over booster eligibility criteria.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the roll-out of booster doses of the covid-19 vaccine? The criteria for getting a booster are changing all the time, and many constituents have contacted me confused about exactly what the criteria are. Will my right hon Friend lay out what the criteria are at the moment?

Answer from Sajid Javid

My hon Friend will understand that there is often good reason to change the criteria. They might be changed, for example, on the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation; the Government must of course consider that advice and take it seriously. NHS England has issued guidance to CCGs on the covid-19 vaccination programme which includes eligibility for booster vaccines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide clear, specific criteria for current booster eligibility directly requested.

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Q2 Ben Everitt
NHS
Context

Vaccine uptake is slightly below the national average in Milton Keynes, and there's a need for more encouragement.

Question

What more can we do to encourage people who need to take the booster to protect themselves and protect the NHS over the winter? What support is given to CCGs so that they can get the message out?

Answer from Sajid Javid

The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes clinical commissioning group is in regular dialogue with Healthwatch and the local authority to see what more it can do. The national “Boost your immunity” campaign is helping to encourage people not just for their booster jab but also for their vital flu jab.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or support mechanisms directly asked, instead referenced ongoing dialogue and national campaigns without details.

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Q3 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
NHS
Context

Criteria for getting a booster are changing, causing confusion among constituents.

Question

What criteria currently exist for getting a booster? What support is given to CCGs so that they can effectively communicate these changes to the public?

Answer from Sajid Javid

My hon Friend will understand that there is often good reason to change the criteria. They might be changed, for example, on the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation; NHS England has issued guidance to CCGs on eligibility for booster vaccines and managing appointments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide clear, specific criteria or support measures for CCG communication directly requested.

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Q4 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
NHS
Context

A disabled individual needs a booster but is unable to travel the distance required.

Question

What can be done to ensure that people who are housebound or in care homes can get the booster they need?

Answer from Sajid Javid

Hundreds of thousands have received their booster jabs directly from primary care—GPs. For those who are housebound or in a care home, they will receive a visit from their GP if anyone is housebound and has not received contact, I ask her please to contact me.

Answered
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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Booster uptake has been slower but is now catching up.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that a voluntary approach to rolling out booster jabs is best?

Answer from Sajid Javid

The general vaccination programme for covid-19, or any other vaccine for that matter, should be voluntary. It should be a positive decision that people take to protect themselves and those around them. The only exception is those who work with vulnerable people in the NHS or social care.

Answered
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