Question reference: S5W-34915
- Asked by: Claire Baker, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 24 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will prioritise the vaccination of teachers as part of the second phase of its COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Answer
The JCVI’s initial advice is focussed on preventing severe illness and loss of life, first and foremost and this is why it focusses on older people and health and social care workers.
As we roll out vaccinations in Scotland, initially, there will be a limited supply of vaccine available and as such it is crucial we make the best use of what we do receive.
Decisions to prioritise one population group over another are not taken lightly, nor are they straightforward. That is why our prioritisation decisions have been, and will continue to be, guided by the independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The JCVI priority groups are based on either vulnerability to COVID-19, or on interacting with (and therefore possibly spreading to) people who are vulnerable to COVID-19.