Immunisation: Winter 2023-24 Debate

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Baroness Bull

Main Page: Baroness Bull (Crossbench - Life peer)

Immunisation: Winter 2023-24

Baroness Bull Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd February 2023

(1 year, 2 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
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The UK has an outstanding record of producing vaccines in this country. We are a world leader, and the Government work closely with that sector to make sure we are a global leader in such things.

Baroness Bull Portrait Baroness Bull (CB)
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My Lords, there are some half a million people whose immune systems do not respond to vaccines because of genetic disorders, blood cancers or immunosuppressive medications. The Government’s living with Covid strategy reassured vulnerable people that there would be world-leading access to therapeutics, but the current offerings are quite limited and hard to access, which leaves many vulnerable people continuing to need to shelter. What are the Government doing to develop the necessary treatments to protect this vulnerable group from serious disease if they become infected?

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
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I thank the noble Baroness for that question. The JCVI often gives interim advice on that specific subject. I do not have a specific answer, but I can certainly get back to her on that very good question, which raises an important point.