Question reference: S5W-35655
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 2 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 12 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on designating foster carers as a priority group for COVID-19 vaccinations, in light of their role in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children.
Answer
All of our decisions in response to COVID-19 have been guided by the latest evidence and advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, Health Protection Scotland, our Chief Medical Officer, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI advises all UK Health Departments on immunisation, including the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
Senior clinicians do not support the prioritisation of foster carers in cohort 2 as the JCVI prioritisation list is based on the objective of the COVID-19 immunisation programme being to protect those who are at highest risk from serious illness or death. Currently prioritisation for staff is based primarily on the vulnerability of the group that a carer is working with rather than their own role, and children and young people are not deemed to be high-risk.