Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to Answer of 15 March 2022 to Question 133203 on Dentistry: Influenza, for what reason the decision was made to exclude dental teams; and whether his Department has plans to review that decision.

Frontline health and social care workers, including primary care staff, continue to be recommended for annual flu vaccinations as set out The Green Book. Provision of a vaccine is part of an employers’ occupational health responsibilities under their policy to prevent the transmission of infection.

The 2021/22 complimentary offer of flu vaccinations for frontline primary care staff, including dentists, was agreed as a one-off for the 2021/22 flu season due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the benefit of ensuring staff were offered maximum protection against both viruses. As part of the wider return to sustainable public health measures, the provision of seasonal flu vaccinations will return to being an employer’s responsibility from 2022/23.