I recently wrote to the Sajid Javid MP, the Health Secretary on proper support for Immunocompromised People.

With an estimated 500,000 immunocompromised people in England, the government need to urgently provide answers.

Letter below.

Full text of letter:

Dear Secretary of State,

RE: Support for Immunocompromised People  

I am writing to ask for more information on support immunocompromised people will be offered as the national lockdown restrictions are further eased on the 19 July. Can I also take this opportunity to welcome you to your position as Health Secretary.

With an estimated 500,000 immunocompromised people in England, clear communication and proper support will be crucial for this clinically extremely vulnerable group, especially given the lack of information on the effectiveness of the vaccines for this group.

Throughout the pandemic, immunocompromised people, including many disabled people, have felt like afterthoughts, especially due to poor communication from the government. As you will know, disabled people and people with long term health conditions have been disproportionately represented in those who have died from Covid-19, making up two-thirds of deaths to date.

I want to echo the call from the sixteen health charities, including Versus Arthritis, Anthony Nolan, Blood Cancer UK and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, who are calling for more to be done for those who are immunocompromised.

As a matter of urgency, can you please respond to the following question:

• As a matter of urgency, will you share the results of the OCTAVE trial into the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines on immunocompromised people?
• Will you look into the use of antibody tests to provide reassurance to people who are immunocompromised?
• Will you set out whether Ministers plan to provide additional support to people who are immunocompromised while we wait for trail results, and if there is evidence that the vaccine is less effective on immunocompromised people?

Can I implore you to learn the lessons of this pandemics and ensure clear communication with this group of clinically extremely vulnerable people, which has not always been the case. I look forward to your speedy response on this matter.

Kind Regards

Vicky Foxcroft MP

Shadow Minister for Disabled People