AQW 22781/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 20/09/2021
Answered On Date: 15/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline his plans for creating a formal COVID-19 shielding policy for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Answer:

I recognise that this has been a difficult and worrying time for many people in our community and particularly for those who have an underlying medical condition which means they may be vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19.

As the Member will be aware, shielding was paused from 31 July 2020. My Department has no plans to reintroduce shielding.

Since last July, advice for people who were identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to COVID-19 has been kept under continual review by a dedicated Cell in the Department of Health, which is overseen by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Up to date advice is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-and-vulnerable-people.

I would encourage those who are eligible to do so to come forward for vaccination as well as for the booster since this offers the best available protection against COVID-19. The details on getting first and second vaccinations or booster are available here.

Get a COVID-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland | nidirect