Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect immunosuppressed people from covid-19 and (b) ensure that they have access to quick and accurate testing for covid-19.

Guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19, is available at the following link:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk

NHS England and NHS Improvement has written to General Practices (GP) and hospital trusts in England to raise awareness of this new guidance.

All those who are severely immunosuppressed are eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of their primary course, and a booster (fourth dose).

From 16 December 2021, the National Health Service (NHS) is offering new monoclonal antibody and antiviral treatments to people at greater risk from COVID-19. These treatments are licensed for use in non-hospitalised patients to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death. These include the two oral antivirals procured by the Antivirals Taskforce, as well as the monoclonal antibody treatment.

There are two routes to accessing new COVID-19 treatments for non-hospitalised patients this winter. People who are higher risk of COVID-19 (potentially including where this is due to their immune system) can access this or other treatment through the COVID Medicine Delivery Units. The second route has made oral antivirals available through a national study called PANORAMIC, run by the University of Oxford in close collaboration with GP hubs. It is for United Kingdom patients at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

We have multiple channels through which both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral flow device (LFD) testing is available for all. PCR tests can be ordered to the home, and can also be carried out at test sites. LFDs can be ordered through gov.uk and collected from pharmacies.

For immunosuppressed people who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and antivirals, we have a bespoke priority PCR testing system in place to ensure they have swift turnaround times on their tests should they require further treatment if they are positive. All eligible people have been contacted by the NHS.