Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19 Vaccinations — [Ms Nusrat Ghani in the Chair]

20 September 2021 · 3 other contributors · 5,258 words

Opened by Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

Responding minister: Maggie Throup

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Elliot Colburn raised concerns about covid-19 vaccinations — [ms nusrat ghani in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The majority of those hospitalised and dying from covid-19 have not been fully vaccinated.
  • There is a drop in vaccine rates among younger age groups, requiring targeted efforts to address misinformation and encourage uptake.
  • The Government announced plans for a certification regime as part of plan B, ensuring exemptions for communal worship, weddings, funerals, and protests.

Key requests to Government

I urge everyone to book their slot for vaccinations as soon as they possibly can and welcome the news about starting booster jabs programme. The Government should consider ways to reach younger people and combat misinformation about vaccines.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

The majority of those hospitalised and dying from covid-19 have not been fully vaccinated. The data highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and preventing further deaths. There is a drop in vaccine rates among younger age groups, which requires targeted efforts to address misinformation and encourage uptake.

Other contributors (3)
  • Anum Qaisar-Javed SNP Airdrie and Shotts

    The SNP supports an informed vaccine roll-out without mandatory vaccination, emphasizing the importance of informing people about medical facts. The Scottish Government's approach to vaccine passports is more lenient compared to European countries like France or Italy, focusing on specific settings such as nightclubs and large events.

  • Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

    Mr Stringer agrees with tackling misinformation online, citing an example of a 14-year-old who saw a magnet being attracted to someone's arm after vaccination. He calls for internet companies and the Government to remove such false information quickly. Questions the effectiveness of forcing care workers to be vaccinated or face employment loss, when other visitors to care homes are not subject to similar requirements.

  • Jack Dromey Lab Birmingham Erdington

    Emphasised the importance of high vaccination rates and called for a more direct effort to vaccinate communities with low uptake, particularly young people. Raised concerns about inconsistent messaging from the Government regarding vaccine passports and advocated for free testing availability.

Government Response

Maggie Throup

Thanked the House for their support and paid tribute to those involved in vaccine roll-out. Emphasised that vaccines are a key defence against covid-19, saving over 112,300 lives and preventing more than 24 million cases. Stressed ongoing efforts to increase vaccination rates among remaining unvaccinated individuals. Announced plans for certification regime as part of plan B if required, ensuring communal worship, weddings, funerals, and protests are exempt. Highlighted commitment over £6 billion in non-ringfenced grants to tackle the impact of covid-19 on services including adult social care. Stated that from 11 November it will be a condition of deployment for anyone working or volunteering in Care Quality Commission regulated care homes providing accommodation for persons requiring nursing and personal care to be fully vaccinated, with over 85.6% first dose uptake among care home workers.

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