Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
We were concerned by reports of confusion among health professionals and the public about what...
Conclusion
We were concerned by reports of confusion among health professionals and the public about what to expect from the vaccine programme and when. We asked NHSE&I how it was ensuring clear lines of communication so that people had access to accurate information quickly and easily.82 NHSE&I explained that its messaging was first and foremost “you will be contacted”, in contrast to seasonal flu vaccinations where people could present themselves to their local pharmacist. We similarly asked NHSE&I whether it had a rebuttal unit to dispel any myths about the vaccine programme, or a Frequently Asked Questions section on its website to answer queries from the public. NHSE&I agreed that including FAQs about the vaccine programme on its website would be sensible and committed to introducing this immediately.83
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.