4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:46 pm on 12 January 2021.

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Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 3:46, 12 January 2021

I'm grateful, Deputy Presiding Officer. I have two questions. The first relates to the speed at which those over 70 and with a condition that makes them clinically vulnerable will be offered a vaccine because they will be, clearly, at elevated risk, and it's important that we're able to address those. But also people who share households with people who would not fit into one of those vulnerable groups, but, clearly, the household is a single family unit, and if we are vaccinating one part of that unit, it seems to make sense intuitively to vaccinate the whole of that family unit to provide that protection around a vulnerable individual. 

The second question is about unpaid carers. We all know that unpaid carers are the great army of people who take care of some of the most vulnerable people in this country. What is the place of unpaid carers? I think, if there's a gap in this strategy, it is those people who are taking care of vulnerable adults and children everyday. 

And finally, Minister, members of staff at special schools. I noticed that you were saying that those staff who do provide care—intimate care—and support for children and children who are particularly vulnerable in special schools will be a part of the priority list. And I was wondering where they would be within that, and when they could expect to receive a vaccine. Thank you.