AQO 2487/17-22


Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim


Tabled Date: 16/09/2021
Answered On Date: 28/09/2021
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline the evidence informing the policy of vaccinations in care home settings.


Answer:
From the outset of the vaccination programme policy has been informed by the advice and guidance of the JCVI.
In its initial recommendations on priority groups for vaccination, JCVI comprehensively reviewed the available data and scientific research on Covid 19 infection in care homes and concluded that care home residents and staff should be made the first priority for vaccination.
JCVI made clear in its conclusion, based on review of the available data, that there was a direct link between severe outcomes of Covid 19 infection and increased age. Mathematical modelling available to JCVI indicated the most effective way to reduce mortality from Covid 19 infection was to vaccinate older age groups first.
Care homes are distinct from other care settings in that they are enclosed environments; they have a specific and particular risk profile and care home residents are considered to be at greater risk to COVID-19 due to their individual clinical vulnerabilities.
In addition, particular challenges present around staff turnover, our older citizens entering residential care for the first time or returning to a care home setting from a hospital stay etc.
In consequence of JCVI advice, the Health and Social Care Trusts deployed mobile teams to care homes across Northern Ireland from the first day of vaccination rollout.
Acknowledging the clear benefits of vaccination but noting the limitations, i.e. vaccination does not entirely eradicate the risk, it is therefore imperative that anyone who is fully vaccinated should continue to take the appropriate precautions to ensure they do not catch or pass on COVID-19. We continue to encourage and facilitate uptake of vaccination among residents and staff.
JCVI has also recently issued guidance on the Autumn booster programme, again making care homes a first priority. Again, this advice was based on a number of sources including data on the duration of the protection offered by the vaccines and the effect of increasing age on the rate protection wanes.