Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 79
79
Not Addressed
There has been considerable debate as to whether the early policy of the Government was...
Conclusion
There has been considerable debate as to whether the early policy of the Government was one of seeking to achieve so-called “herd-immunity”. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention defines community immunity/herd immunity as: A situation in which a sufficient proportion of a population is immune to an infectious disease (through vaccination and/or prior illness) to make its spread from person to person unlikely. Even individuals not vaccinated (such as newborns and those with chronic illnesses) are offered some protection because the disease has little opportunity to spread within the community. Also known as herd immunity.102
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response provides an unrelated statement about the publication of SAGE advice and minutes, failing to address the committee's observation regarding the debate around 'herd immunity'.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
In a pandemic, the scientific advice from the SAGE co-chairs to the government should be published within 24 hours of it being given, or the policy being decided, whichever is the later, to ensure the opportunity for rapid scientific challenge and guard against the risk of ‘groupthink’. In addition, minutes and SAGE papers should be published within 48 hours of the meeting taking place.
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