Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 28
28
The number of people who choose to have the vaccine will ultimately be determined by...
Conclusion
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
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Accept. The government has worked closely with NHS E/I, PHE, the MHRA and JCVI to communicate clearly to the public about the development and rollout of the authorised vaccines. Public information about the vaccine programme, the vaccines themselves, and relevant topics such as ingredients and side effects are available on both NHS.UK and GOV.UK websites, this content is supplemented by a sustained programme of proactive communications to keep the public informed using media, partners, professionals and creative content. Using regular research and polling, the government has developed an understanding of the needs and concerns of groups who are more vaccine hesitant and produced compelling vaccine positive information to address these. The communications campaign seeks to increase uptake within those groups who are or will soon be eligible to get the vaccine. Information, advice and FAQs are regularly shared with partners, local areas and community leaders, to enable clear and accurate information to reach the public from trusted and relevant messengers. There is cross government work in place through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Disinformation Unit, the Cabinet Office’s Rapid Rebuttal Unit and the DHSC working with partners across the health family to ensure accurate information is in circulation to tackle myths and misinformation.