Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has undertaken of the needs of members of the public without smartphone or internet access in the context of his future covid-19 related strategic planning as the UK completes its covid-19 vaccine rollout.

Invitations for the COVID-19 vaccine are currently being issued in a number of ways. The National Booking Service is primarily sending letters to people’s registered addresses. These letters give the option of booking by the free 119 phone line. This phone line includes BSL and text relay services. Follow up phone calls and letters are made to those who have been sent an initial letter but not responded. Local vaccination services are for the most part using text messages or phone calls as the first approach. Follow up ‘phone calls would also be made to those who have not responded to initial invitations. Others can make an appointment on behalf of individuals who are not able to make it themselves.

Community Champions also work with councils to identify barriers to accessing accurate information and to provide tailored support, such as phone calls for people who are digitally excluded. We are clear that no matter how citizens choose to interact with services, they should receive the same levels of access, consistent advice and the same outcomes of care.