Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
We are most concerned about the comparatively low vaccination uptake that persists in many vulnerable...
Recommendation
We are most concerned about the comparatively low vaccination uptake that persists in many vulnerable groups and, after the first booster campaign, has actually widened in some. For example, compared to people of White British origin, people of Black, Black British and Pakistani origins were less than half as likely to have had their boosters at the end of May 2022.32 The Association of Directors of Public Health and others confirmed to the Committee that inequalities in vaccine uptake persisted and more needed to be done.33 24 NAO analysis updated using NHS report, Statistics – Monthly COVID-19 Vaccinations statistics, data published 16 June 2022 25 Q 54 26 RCP0006 Note dated March 2022 from Royal College of Nursing point 4.9 27 Q 46 28 Q 53 29 Q 54 30 Qq 46, 54 31 C&AG’s report, para 3.5; NAO analysis updated using NHS report, Statistics – Monthly COVID-19 Vaccinations statistics, data published 16 June 2022 32 Updated analysis to end of May 33 RCP0010 Note dated March 2022 from The Association of Directors of Public Health, RCP0002 Note dated March 2022 from the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), page 1 and RCP0008 Note dated March 2022 from Company Chemists’ Association, page 5. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine programme in England 13
Government Response Summary
The government agreed to evaluate approaches for increasing vaccine uptake in vulnerable groups and support local areas in deploying the most effective approaches, including fresh approaches to tackle low uptake in some ethnic groups.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2: PAC conclusion: Comparatively low vaccination uptake persists in many vulnerable groups and, after the first booster campaign, has even dropped further for some. 2. PAC recommendation: Recognising that reasons for lower uptake will vary, NHS England and UKHSA should urgently evaluate which approaches are most effective for increasing uptake, communicate again with local areas about what works, and provide support to them to deploy the most effective approaches. This should include fresh approaches to tackling the persistent low uptake observed in some ethnic groups. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2023 2.2 Throughout the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, the government has captured learnings and conducted evaluation about which approaches work most effectively in reducing vaccine inequalities. For the 2022 autumn/winter campaign, NHSE will work in partnership and support local systems to continue evaluating different approaches to vaccine delivery. Supported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) vaccination evaluation framework, this will provide better understanding of the most effective ways to offer vaccination, especially for communities where uptake and confidence may be lower. 3 2.3 Continuous engagement at a local, regional and national level with partners and organisations, as well as greater understanding through insight and community conversations, allow NHSE to continue to build trust and confidence with communities, maximise convenience and minimise complacency in a way that works locally. NHSE intends to continue offering vaccinations through a range of flexible delivery models, supported by culturally tailored and community-led activity.