Recommendation 28

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