Covid-19 Update

Matt Hancock Excerpts
Monday 29th November 2021

(2 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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The vaccines Minister, the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Maggie Throup), is meeting patient groups this week and she is also happy to meet the hon. Lady.

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con)
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May I join others in welcoming the well-judged and rapid action this weekend as well as the acceleration of boosters, including the new provision of a mass vaccination this weekend in Newmarket? Existing vaccinations—including boosters—are effective against all known major variants before omicron, but will the Secretary of State set out plans for a variant vaccine, should that be needed in the worst-case scenario?

Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his support. The UK has been supporting a new vaccines programme largely thanks to his efforts when he was in my position. That work continues. If it is necessary to procure new vaccines that we believe are safe and effective and will help with the new variant, we will do so.