Recommendations & Conclusions
9 items
5
Recommendation
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
There is a risk that NHSE&I and DHSC’s plans for the vaccine programme will not meet public expectations. NHSE&I recognises that its goal to vaccinate the first four priority groups by 15 February is a huge task which it appears to be on track to deliver. As no-one can be …
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There is a risk that NHSE&I and DHSC’s plans for the vaccine programme will not meet public expectations. NHSE&I recognises that its goal to vaccinate the first four priority groups by 15 February is a huge task which it appears to be on track to deliver. As no-one can be forced to have the vaccination, NHSE&I will determine the programme’s success based on the number of people offered a vaccine rather than the number of people who are vaccinated. The daily vaccination totals published by government, however, are based on the number of vaccines administered, not offers made. We are concerned that using these could create confusion among the public about progress with the vaccine programme. NHSE&I has lengthened the time between individuals’ first and second doses of the vaccine from 3 to 12 weeks. It asserts that this delay is not linked to the introduction of new lockdown measures, but “basic maths” that it is better to have more people with single dose protection than a smaller number with double dose protection. NHSE&I currently expects around 25% of people will not take-up the offer of a vaccination but is hopeful that actual take-up rates will be higher. We are nonetheless concerned about how vaccines will be deployed across parts of the country with different age demographics, local need and people with vulnerabilities. NHSE&I recognises that there is a trade-off between equity of access and the speed of deployment and that it cannot allow one part of the country to race ahead of another. Recommendation: NHSE&I and DHSC need to immediately set out in detail what they are planning to achieve so the public has a better understanding of what the daily progress reports mean in practice. It should clearly set out: the definition of ‘vaccinated’ and ‘offered a vaccination’; and expected take up rates across both doses and across different cohorts, for example by age and ethnicity. Progress should also be reported at local, regional, devolved and UK levels in a consi
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating it has already implemented it by publishing the Covid-19 Vaccine Delivery Plan and the COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Plan, and provides clear daily and weekly data, including breakdowns by age, region, ethnicity, and cohort.
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HM Treasury
6
Recommendation
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
Public confidence in the vaccine programme is crucial to its success yet some members of the public and health professionals were confused by the messaging about when and how people can access a vaccine. The number of people who choose to have the vaccine will ultimately be determined by public …
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Public confidence in the vaccine programme is crucial to its success yet some members of the public and health professionals were confused by the messaging about when and how people can access a vaccine. The number of people who choose to have the vaccine will ultimately be determined by public trust in the vaccines. Clear communication is essential to enable the public, Parliament and health professionals understand what is going on within the vaccination programme, but is challenging because the situation is evolving so rapidly. We have previously found that a lack of information during the pandemic, or repeatedly changing and 8 COVID-19: Planning for a vaccine Part 1 updating guidance, can be confusing and frightening for those affected. NHSE&I had not yet developed a Frequently Asked Questions section for its website at the time of our evidence session nor has it put in place a rebuttal unit to deal with negative publicity or fake reporting about the vaccines. NHSE&I acknowledges it needs to be vigilant about the potential for fraudsters to take advantage of the more vulnerable in society in offering fake vaccines. Recommendation: NHSE&I and DHSC need to immediately develop clear and straightforward communication, including comprehensive FAQs, to help the public navigate the constantly changing situation. This should be publicised to the public and those who can help inform the public such as GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and MPs, as well as setting up a unit to quickly rebut false claims about the vaccines. COVID-19: Planning for a vaccine Part 1 9 1 Part 1 – Securing the UK’s access to potential vaccines
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation and states it has already implemented it, detailing ongoing efforts in clear public communication, provision of information on NHS.UK and GOV.UK, sharing FAQs with partners, and establishing cross-government units to counter misinformation.
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HM Treasury
8
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
The Chair of the Taskforce took up the unpaid post in May 2020. The Chair was appointed by, and reported directly to, the Prime Minister until the term expired at the end of 2020.17 We asked the former Chair about criticisms of their appointment and their potential political connection. The …
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The Chair of the Taskforce took up the unpaid post in May 2020. The Chair was appointed by, and reported directly to, the Prime Minister until the term expired at the end of 2020.17 We asked the former Chair about criticisms of their appointment and their potential political connection. The former Chair told us that they had been clear at the outset that they were not a vaccines expert and that their experience was in “taking novel science and turning those into therapeutics”.18 They explained that, in essence, this meant demonstrating that treatments were effective and safe, ensuring they could be manufactured, and in getting the regulatory approvals needed so that they could be administered . They noted that there were other vaccine experts available, and others may have been better qualified, but that their “venture capital skillset and biotech mindset” had been what was needed for the Taskforce.19 We noted that in a pandemic it was not necessarily possible to undertake a full-recruitment process, but asked whether there should have been more discussion about, or others should have been involved in, the appointment of the Chair. The former Chair told us that they were not privy to what process took place. BEIS similarly told us that it was not privy to the process for this specific appointment and that, in non-emergency circumstances, it would still expect to undertake a normal recruitment process.20
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's observations, stating BEIS has considered its decision-making and appointments processes, implemented improvements for robust decision-making, and will consider replicating these improvements and sharing lessons learned with other departments.
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HM Treasury
26
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
In 2019–20 the long-established seasonal flu vaccination programme had a take-up rate of 72% among those aged 65 years and older, and up to 45% for those aged 64 years or younger. NHSE&I explained that it was using the flu vaccine as an indicator for expected take-up of the COVID-19 …
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In 2019–20 the long-established seasonal flu vaccination programme had a take-up rate of 72% among those aged 65 years and older, and up to 45% for those aged 64 years or younger. NHSE&I explained that it was using the flu vaccine as an indicator for expected take-up of the COVID-19 vaccine programme as both targeted the same age group. In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine programme was being rolled-out at a time of increased concerns about the virus in the older population. NHSE&I recognised that, while a useful indicator, take-up rates of the flu vaccine would not determine take-up of the COVID-19 vaccines, but asserted that early signs of take-up among those aged 80 and above were very strong. It confirmed that its plans for the supply of vaccines meant the enough would be available should take-up rates be higher than expected.75
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the conclusion, stating that Public Health England, in partnership with NHS England and Improvement, continues to develop insights into vaccine hesitancy using academic experts, behavioural scientists, regular polling, and qualitative research.
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HM Treasury
27
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
PHE recognised that people trust their local GP, local faith groups and community groups so public health organisations and local government will have an important role to play to encourage people to take-up the vaccine. Flu vaccination programmes have also shown the importance of convenience and location to the take-up …
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PHE recognised that people trust their local GP, local faith groups and community groups so public health organisations and local government will have an important role to play to encourage people to take-up the vaccine. Flu vaccination programmes have also shown the importance of convenience and location to the take-up of vaccines, particularly within harder to reach communities.76 We therefore asked about reports that people had received letters sending them to mass vaccinations which were not close to where they lived. The Department confirmed that while people had been invited to larger-scale vaccination centres, this was “simply an additional option that some people may choose to avail themselves of” and that those individuals would also receive an invitations from their local GP service to have the vaccine at a more convenient location if they would prefer.77 Communication about the vaccine programme
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the importance of convenience and trusted local sources for vaccine uptake and is working to provide choices for vaccination locations (GP practices, pharmacies, mass centres) and culturally sensitive messaging through local authorities and community leaders.
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HM Treasury
28
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
The number of people who choose to have the vaccine will ultimately be determined by public trust in the vaccines.78 Our previous reports have shown the importance of clear and consistent communication and that a lack of information during the pandemic, or repeatedly changing and updating guidance, can be confusing …
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The number of people who choose to have the vaccine will ultimately be determined by public trust in the vaccines.78 Our previous reports have shown the importance of clear and consistent communication and that a lack of information during the pandemic, or repeatedly changing and updating guidance, can be confusing and frightening for those affected.79 The Department of Health & Social Care is responsible for developing a communications plan and communicating with the public about the vaccination programme. It established a cross-Government communications team, including representatives from the Vaccine Taskforce and the Cabinet Office, to consider communication about the vaccine. The Department of Health & Social Care explained that communication about the COVID-19 vaccine programme was more difficult than with other vaccine programmes because the situation was evolving so rapidly. In June 2020, Public Health England emphasised the need for attitudinal research to inform the communications strategy, but this research was not complete in time for the first vaccinations. PHE confirmed that it still planned to undertake a range of attitudinal surveys, and was working with Newcastle University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as part of this as well as undertaking weekly polling through YouGov.80 75 Qq 72, 92, C&AG’s Report para 24 76 Q 88 77 Q 12 78 C&AG’s Report, para 24, 4.3 79 Committee of Public Accounts, COVID-19: Government procurement and supply of personal protective equipment, HC 928, 10 February 2021 80 Qq 88, 124, C&AG’s Report, para 24, 4.3 20 COVID-19: Planning for a vaccine Part 1
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the importance of public trust and clear communication, detailing its ongoing efforts to provide public information via NHS.UK and GOV.UK, sustained communications campaigns informed by polling, and cross-government work to counter myths and misinformation.
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HM Treasury
29
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
Research commissioned by PHE showed that about two-thirds of the population were very likely to take-up the vaccine, around 10% were unlikely, and the rest were uncertain. For those who were uncertain or unlikely to have the vaccine, efficacy and safety were the key issues. We asked witnesses what were …
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Research commissioned by PHE showed that about two-thirds of the population were very likely to take-up the vaccine, around 10% were unlikely, and the rest were uncertain. For those who were uncertain or unlikely to have the vaccine, efficacy and safety were the key issues. We asked witnesses what were the key risks to public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. NHSE&I that these were very similar to other vaccine programmes that the NHS ran successfully each year, but that the scale of the programme and the newness of the supply chain were different. The Department of Health & Social Care recognised the need for clear messaging to enable the public to understand progress with the vaccine programme and be assured that the vaccines were being deployed safely and properly.81
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the importance of clear communication and outlines ongoing efforts, including detailed public information on NHS.UK and GOV.UK, proactive communications campaigns based on polling, sharing information with community leaders, and cross-government work to counter misinformation.
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HM Treasury
30
Recommendation
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
We were concerned by reports of confusion among health professionals and the public about what to expect from the vaccine programme and when. We asked NHSE&I how it was ensuring clear lines of communication so that people had access to accurate information quickly and easily.82 NHSE&I explained that its messaging …
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We were concerned by reports of confusion among health professionals and the public about what to expect from the vaccine programme and when. We asked NHSE&I how it was ensuring clear lines of communication so that people had access to accurate information quickly and easily.82 NHSE&I explained that its messaging was first and foremost “you will be contacted”, in contrast to seasonal flu vaccinations where people could present themselves to their local pharmacist. We similarly asked NHSE&I whether it had a rebuttal unit to dispel any myths about the vaccine programme, or a Frequently Asked Questions section on its website to answer queries from the public. NHSE&I agreed that including FAQs about the vaccine programme on its website would be sensible and committed to introducing this immediately.83
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the need for clear communication, including FAQs, and details its ongoing efforts to provide public information via NHS.UK and GOV.UK, proactive communications campaigns, and the sharing of FAQs with partners and community leaders.
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HM Treasury
31
Conclusion
Forty-Third Report - COVID-19: Planning…
Accepted
NHSE&I explained that it would give people “more than one channel and more than one chance” to come forward for a vaccine. It expected to have to go back to people who did not come forward after being contacted to understand why they had not responded and give them another …
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NHSE&I explained that it would give people “more than one channel and more than one chance” to come forward for a vaccine. It expected to have to go back to people who did not come forward after being contacted to understand why they had not responded and give them another opportunity to take-up the vaccine.84 It similarly planned to use different ways to try to make sure that those who were vaccinated returned for their second dose, including pre-empting any issues by booking both appointments at the same time and putting in place procedures to identify and contact anyone who didn’t come to their second appointment.85 We were alarmed by reports of an individual calling on a house, charging money and administering a fake vaccination and how NHSE&I would ensure that such instances were not repeated. NHSE&I recognised the need for “great vigilance” on this, but that it was ultimately a matter for the police and the Home Office.86 81 Qq 87–88 82 Qq 81–86 83 Qq 79–80 84 Q 89 85 Q 59 86 Qq 11, 89 COVID-19: Planning for a vaccine Part 1 21
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has worked closely with various bodies on clear public communication regarding vaccine development and rollout, maintaining proactive information campaigns to inform the public, address vaccine hesitancy, and tackle misinformation to prevent scams.
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HM Treasury