Question reference: S5W-35757
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 4 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 12 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to classroom learning assistants who work in close contact with pupils where social distancing is not possible.
Answer
The JCVI list now includes staff directly involved in the direct care of children and young people with the most complex additional healthcare needs who are clinically vulnerable to severe effects of COVID. They may be at higher risk of exposure due to their close contact with those providing health and social care support, particularly those with severe neuro-disabilities. They will be eligible under category 2 of the JCVI list. This includes staff working in special schools and units, and in some cases in mainstream schools. Staff supporting these children will undertake roles which will align to the multi-agency educational and care plans for these children who are the most clinically vulnerable.
Currently there is no sectoral prioritisation of any workers other than frontline health and social care workers. Individual classroom learning assistants will be called forward for vaccination according to their position on the prioritisation list, if they are eligible.
For example, many teaching assistants may be eligible as individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality. Supplies permitting, we aim to have offered a first dose to all those on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation prioritisation list by mid-April, and the entire adult population shortly after.