Road Map out of Lockdown the Immunosuppressed 2021-07-08
2021-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions about the road map out of lockdown and its potential impact on people who are immunosuppressed. There is a need to address specific concerns regarding vaccine efficacy for this group.
What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential implications of the roadmap out of lockdown for people who are immunosuppressed?
The Department continues to work with the Health Secretary on these issues. When we set out the details of step 4 regarding those who are immunosuppressed, there will be new guidance that GPs will be able to use when working with those patients.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions and concrete actions taken or planned were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent named Sue Gresham, a campaigner for those who are immunosuppressed, raised concerns about the lack of information on vaccine efficacy for this group. The constituent highlighted that people with blood cancer feel inadequately informed.
My constituent Sue Gresham is a tireless campaigner for all those who are immunosuppressed, and she has raised this many times. It was highlighted just last week that those with blood cancer feel there is little information being given about the efficacy of the vaccine being lower for the immunosuppressed. Would my right hon Friend tell me that the Government will write urgently to everyone in the UK whose medical condition requires immuno-suppression to advise them they may not be protected and what precautions they can take themselves as we unlock?
I thank my hon. Friend's constituent for all the work she has done on these matters. I can say to my hon. Friend that we are in a much better position because of the work that we have previously done on shielding and gathering data on people who might need further protections. In addition to the new guidance I announced for GPs, there is obviously work going on with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, particularly focused on that group to ensure that they are a priority for receiving booster injections.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for urgent communication was not directly addressed; only general statements were made about ongoing work and future guidance.
Response accuracy