Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will take to help protect people the most clinically vulnerable people from covid-19 once all covid-19 restrictions have been removed.

On 25 February 2022, updated public health advice was issued for those previously considered as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Most people considered as CEV are advised to follow general guidance, in addition to any further advice from their general practitioner or consultant. Guidance was also issued for those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

Enhanced protections such as those offered by treatments, additional vaccinations and potentially other non-clinical interventions may benefit this cohort.