Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of concerns that the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine provides limited protection for the elderly; and what advice they are giving to elderly people who have already had their first dose of this vaccine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that current evidence does not suggest any lack of protection against COVID-19 in people aged 65 years old or over who receive COVID-19 Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine. Their data shows that the vaccine produces a strong immune response in the over 65 year olds and that it is safe. Therefore we are confident in the decision to authorise the vaccine in this age group.

This decision is in line with that made by the European Medicines Agency, who have authorised COVID-19 Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine in people from 18 years of age, including those aged 65 years old and above. On 10 February, the World Health Organization have also stated that the benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh any risks and the shot should be recommended for use, including in people aged 65 years old and over.

The Department has also been working closely with Public Health England and NHS England and NHS Improvement to provide authoritative information to the public on COVID-19 vaccination, including an information pack for healthcare professionals and the public about the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.