Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to take steps to expand the eligibility criteria for Seasonal Covid-19 Boosters to include those who suffer with long term effects of Covid-19.

Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). JCVI advice, including advice on eligibility for future planned programmes, is set out in published JCVI statements and reflected in national guidance. The guiding principle behind JCVI advice to date is the prevention of severe disease and mortality.

JCVI have indicated in interim advice that there should be a vaccination programme in autumn 2023. The final advice, including evidence in determining eligibility for an autumn 2023 COVID-19 booster vaccination, is currently being reviewed by the JCVI and will be published in due course. No advice has been published on COVID-19 programmes beyond autumn 2023.

At this time, based on JCVI advice, the green book does not indicate that ‘those who suffer with long term effects of COVID-19’ are a clinical risk group. JCVI will keep its advice under review, and advice will be based on evidence regarding the risk from COVID-19 and the potential benefits of vaccination.