Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Research commissioned by PHE showed that about two-thirds of the population were very likely to...
Conclusion
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
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.