Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to reintroduce shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable individuals who (1) are immunocompromised, or (2) have not been protected by two doses of the vaccine, but who are expected to return to work and normal life when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Shielding is only introduced where absolutely necessary as the measures are restrictive and can have a negative impact on individuals mental and physical wellbeing. Prevalence levels of COVID-19 and the risk faced by those considered as clinically extremely vulnerable are currently low and as a result the reintroduction of shielding is not required. However, the Government continues to monitor the situation and would not hesitate to reintroduce shielding measures, either locally or nationally, if necessary.

Work is ongoing to better understand the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in the clinically extremely vulnerable population, particularly those who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed. The results of this work, along with the epidemiological situation at the time, will inform whether any further guidance or support is required for certain groups of clinically extremely vulnerable people.