Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she is taking steps to ensure people diagnosed as medically vulnerable can access covid-19 vaccination regardless of the medication they are taking.

The primary aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of severe disease, including hospitalisation and death, arising from COVID-19. The risk of developing severe COVID-19 continues to be strongly associated with increasing age and underlying health conditions.

In line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice accepted by the Government, the offer of vaccination is therefore focused on those at greatest risk. In autumn 2023, this included all adults aged 65 years old and over and those aged six months to 64 years old in a clinical risk group, as defined in the UK Health Security Agency’s Green Book on immunisation.

This offer was open to all eligible individuals regardless of medication status. Clinicians can advise on individual circumstances, and anyone concerned should seek relevant advice.