Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Not Addressed
Additionally, Mencap raised concerns with us about specific difficulties in identifying and prioritising people with...
Conclusion
Additionally, Mencap raised concerns with us about specific difficulties in identifying and prioritising people with severe and profound learning disabilities.38 It said there was a need for more accessible communications for this group and to tackle needle phobia, which had not always been consistently or effectively addressed to date.39
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation that NHS England and UKHSA should urgently evaluate which approaches are most effective for increasing vaccine uptake, communicate again with local areas about what works, and provide support to them to deploy the most effective approaches, but focuses its response on the recommendation regarding vulnerable groups generally and does not address Mencap's specific concerns about those with severe and profound learning disabilities.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.