Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who in the NHS is responsible for advising patients who have a compromised immune system that they are eligible for a third dose of a covid-19 vaccine; and what are arrangements for patients to receive a third dose of vaccine.

A specialist or clinician should advise whether a patient fulfils the eligibility criteria for severe immunosuppression and on the timing of any third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccination. NHS England and NHS Improvement are developing tailored communications for specialists caring for each group of eligible patients. This will include template referral letters for clinicians to signpost where patients can receive their COVID-19 vaccination.

If a vaccination cannot be offered at a hospital at the time of the patient’s visit, they will receive a letter from their consultant to access a vaccination at an alternative clinic. If a patient has already received a letter from their consultant or general practitioner advising on when they should receive their third primary dose, this can be presented at a walk-in vaccination site. Vaccinators require this letter to administer the dose. Any patient who has not yet been contacted but may be eligible for a third primary dose should contact their consultant.