Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it is his policy to maintain the prescription waiver for anti-virals for people who are clinically vulnerable and extremely vulnerable to covid-19.

We have no plans to maintain this prescription charge waiver. The waiver was introduced in December 2021 and was extended to remain in force until 31 March 2023.

Approximately 89% of prescription items are currently dispensed free of charge and there are a range of exemptions from prescription charges for which those in need of COVID-19 medicines may meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, those on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption may be eligible for assistance with prescription charges through the NHS Low Income Scheme.