Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, should a vaccine for covid-19 become available, will it be (a) optional, (b) recommended or (c) compulsory for the general public; whether (i) the elderly, (ii) people with certain health conditions and (iii) other specific groups will be prioritised; and whether unvaccinated people are likely to be excluded from (A) flying, (B) accessing healthcare and (C) other activities.

It is vital that a significant proportion of people who are offered take up a COVID-19 vaccine in order to protect themselves as well as other vulnerable individuals. However, there are no plans at present for a COVID-19 vaccine to be mandatory as the Government operates a system of informed consent for vaccinations.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will provide advice on clinical prioritisation based on the best available clinical, modelling and epidemiological data. This will depend on the properties of the vaccine, those most at need (including health and care workers) and the unique medical circumstances of individuals.

Whilst the pandemic is ongoing, no travel is risk free. Advice on air travel will remain under constant review to take into account the latest situation in each country. Healthcare will remain accessible to all and there are no plans to exclude unvaccinated individuals from key services or activities.