Thank you for contacting me about accessibility to the COVID-19 vaccine.
I welcome the Government's commitment to move the UK's vaccine programme forward quickly and efficiently. I am sure you will agree that when offered a vaccine everyone should take this up and get vaccinated.
As you rightly point out, accessibility is a key priority and the Department of Health and Social Care has been working to ensure information is provided about the vaccine in audio, Braille, large print, easy read and British Sign Language.
The framework for rolling out the vaccine outlines that providers are responsible for ensuring that their vaccination centres are accessible to all members of the community and taking steps to improve access and so reduce potential inequalities for people eligible to receive vaccinations. Patients booking vaccination appointments can choose a site that meets their accessibility needs and transport requirements and will be informed of the distance of the site from the postcode they have entered.
Please let me know of any specific issues in Calder Valley if I can help to work with vaccination hubs to ensure that everybody can access this vaccine as soon as they are invited to do so.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
Januatry 2021