Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 45
The Committee is very encouraged by the evidence we heard both from our expert witness...
Recommendation
The Committee is very encouraged by the evidence we heard both from our expert witness and from the Government as regards vaccine efficacy. What the Committee also heard, however, was that there are significant areas of scientific uncertainty as regards to transmission, effectiveness of the vaccines, implications of new variants and accuracy of testing. The Government has so far failed to make the scientific case for the introduction of a Covid-status certification, in particular in light of the scientific uncertainties highlighted to the Committee. Given that, to date, 61% of the UK population has received at least one dose and 43% has received two doses of the vaccine and this is increasing by the day, there needs to be a clear and demonstrable benefit from the introduction of a Covid-status certification system. It appears to us that the success of the vaccination programme makes a Covid-status certification system unnecessary. The Government must clearly set out the scientific case for a Covid-status certification system alongside any announcement it makes introducing such a system. This is essential for the public understanding of the decision-making process behind such a system and to increase public acceptance of and compliance with vital measures to combat the pandemic.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Throughout the review, we have consulted with a wide range of clinicians and independent scientific advisory groups on the effectiveness of certification as a tool to manage the spread of COVID, including the standards for acquiring COVID status. expected to visit high-risk settings of all ages is vaccinated (+95%), the incremental effect of certification will be considerably smaller (as the population in settings would be vaccinated anyway). However, if vaccination rates fall below this, then certification could act as a tool to help limit the risk of transmission in certain high-risk settings where it is used. The Government will continue to review the standards for certification, as required, in order to respond to changes in the epidemiological situation. Several studies have provided evidence that vaccines are effective at preventing infection. Uninfected individuals cannot transmit; therefore, the vaccines are also effective at preventing transmission. There is significant evidence that vaccines are effective at preventing infection, and therefore will prevent transmission. There is further evidence [RC1] that even if vaccinated individuals become infected there is a reduced risk of transmission to others (around 40–45% reduction after 1 dose). [RC1] Harris, Ross J., et al. “Effect of Vaccination on Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in England.” New England Journal of Medicine (2021). As set out in the COVID-Status Certification Review: Report, if the country is facing a difficult situation in autumn or winter, certification could be a useful tool in managing this risk and keeping events going and businesses open.