Written questions by Chope.

With reference to paragraph 20 of his Department's Opening Statement to Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, published 15 January 2025, what estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) deaths, (b) infections and (c) hospitalisations that were prevented by the covid-19 vaccination programme since September 2021.

The estimated total averted hospitalisations, severe hospitalisations, and deaths for the spring and autumn 2023 boosters were:- 1,654 hospitalisations, 108 severe, and 508 deaths for the spring 2023 booster program in those aged 75 years old and over; and- 7,054 hospitalisations, 473 severe, and 1,862 deaths for the autumn 2023 booster program in those aged 65 years old and over.This can be found in the COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report week 29, which is available at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/669923b20808eaf43b50d1fd/Vaccine_surveillance_report_2024_week_29.pdf In total, an estimated 14,400 hospitalisations were averted in adults aged 50 years old and older in England as a result of the vaccination from the autumn 2022 COVID-19 vaccine booster programme. This information is in the COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report week 41, which is available at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6527f0bfaea2d0000d219c69/vaccine-surveillance-report-2023-week-41.pdf These are a direct effect calculation and do not include any additional cases prevented from herd immunity. They also do not include cases averted where COVID-19 exacerbated a non-respiratory condition that led to hospitalisation. In total, an estimated 18,600 hospitalisations, based on cases reported through the Sari-Watch surveillance scheme, were averted in adults aged 50 years old and older in England as a result of vaccination from the autumn 2021 COVID-19 vaccine booster programme. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website, at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62c6c2168fa8f54e855dfe29/Vaccine-surveillance-report-week-27.pdf This was also a direct effect calculation method.

If he will make an estimate of the number of (a) full-time and (b) part-time (i) employed and (ii) self-employed tattoo artists there are.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon. Gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 24 January is attached.

If she will make it her policy to introduce an apprenticeship standard for tattoo artists.

This is a matter for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. I have asked its Chief Executive, Jennifer Coupland, to write to the hon. Member for Christchurch, and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

With reference to paragraph 20 of his Department's written opening statement to Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry of 20 December 2024, INQ000474799, on what evidential basis his Department said that the covid-19 vaccine programme had prevented (a) over 230,800 hospitalisations and (b) between 119,500 and 126,800 deaths by September 2021.

The evidential basis refers to page four of the COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: Week 38, published by Public Health England on 23 September 2021. The report is available at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/614c53a28fa8f56113bf6472/Vaccine_surveillance_report_-_week_38.pdfThe report assessed the impact of the vaccination programme on the population by taking into account vaccine coverage, evidence on vaccine effectiveness, and the latest COVID-19 disease surveillance indicators. These figures were, at the time of the report, the latest estimates on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on mortality.

How many (a) claims and (b) mandatory reversal claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme on Covid-19 vaccinations have been outstanding for more than (i) six months, (ii) 12 months and (iii) 18 months.

As of 17 January 2025, 3,714 claims and 201 mandatory reversal claims have been outstanding for more than six months. Of those, 1,041 claims and 82 mandatory reversals have been outstanding for more than 12 months, and of those, 517 claims and 32 mandatory reversals have been outstanding for more than 18 months.

With reference to paragraph 20 of his Department's written opening statement to Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry of 20 December 2024, INQ000474799, on what evidential basis his Department said that the covid-19 vaccine programme had prevented between 23.7 and 24.1 million infections.

The evidential basis refers to page four of the COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: Week 38, published by Public Health England on 23 September 2021. The report is available at the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/614c53a28fa8f56113bf6472/Vaccine_surveillance_report_-_week_38.pdfThe report assessed the impact of the vaccination programme on the population by taking into account vaccine coverage, evidence on vaccine effectiveness, and the latest COVID-19 disease surveillance indicators. These figures were, at the time of the report, the latest estimates on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on mortality.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2024 to Question 10667 on Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, what discussions he has had with Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK, and other representatives of those who have suffered harm from vaccinations; and if he will publish a summary of what was discussed at the meeting.

Ministers met with representatives from Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK on 11 September 2024. The group highlighted the issues facing those who have suffered serious adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination, and raised concerns around the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. Ministers agreed to look at the issues raised.

How many people received a flu vaccine between 1 September and 31 December in each year since 2021.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) publishes provisional monthly data on flu vaccine uptake in eligible patient groups, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/vaccine-uptake#seasonal-flu-vaccine-uptake:-figures.The following table shows data from general practice (GP) patients covering vaccination up to 31 December in each year since 2021/22, expressed as a percentage:Patient group2024/25 (%)2023/24 (%)2022/23 (%)2021/22 (%)65 years old and overN/A77.078.481.5At riskN/A40.346.349.3Pregnant womenN/A30.933.237.3Children aged two years oldN/A41.039.846.6Children aged three years oldN/A41.342.249.1Source: UKHSANote: The monthly data for the corresponding period in the 2024/25 season will be published on 30 January 2025. The following table shows data for school aged children and frontline health care workers covering vaccination up to 31 December in each year since 2021/22, expressed as a percentage:Cohort2024/25 (%)2023/24 (%)2022/23 (%)2021/22 (%)Primary school (Reception to year six)N/A53.855.552.9Secondary school (eligible year groups varied by season)N/A41.2 (Year six to 11)10.3 (Year six to nine)37.8 (Year seven to 11)All school age childrenN/A48.438.346.7Frontline health care workersN/A41.046.758.8Source: UKHSA

What steps he is taking to stop the spread of the HMPV virus from China.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of many viruses within the United Kingdom that cause illness each winter. It has been in circulation for many decades. Most people have been infected by the age of five and reinfection occurs throughout life. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) monitors activity and publishes data every week through the winter period. UKHSA’s long-term surveillance of hMPV in England, through systems covering general practice surgeries and hospital laboratories, indicates that hMPV levels in winter 2024-25 are in line with what we would expect to see at this time of year. UKHSA has issued general public advice on prevention of transmission of respiratory viruses, this includes the importance of good hand hygiene, catching coughs with tissues, and avoiding vulnerable people while symptomatic. These measures would be expected to reduce transmission of hMPV.

How many and what proportion of applications to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme relating to Covid-19 vaccinations have been (a) made and (b) successful for (i) Vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, (ii) Guillain-Barré syndrome and (iii) other conditions.

As of 3 January 2025, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) had received 183 assessed claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) relating to COVID-19 for vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. These 183 claims reflect 1.9% of the total number of claims which have undergone a completed medical assessment. Of these 183 claims, 92, or 50.3%, have been successful. The NHS BSA also received 224 assessed claims to the VDPS relating to COVID-19 for Guillain-Barré syndrome. These 224 claims reflect 2.3% of the total number of claims which have undergone a completed medical assessment. Of these 224 claims, 63, or 28.1%, have been successful. Finally, the NHS BSA also received 9,480 assessed claims to the VDPS relating to COVID-19 for other conditions. These 9,480 claims reflect 95.9% of the total number of claims which have undergone a completed medical assessment. Of these 9,480 claims, 199, or 2.1%, have been successful.These figures reflect conditions which have been identified from the medical records of claimants. Claims may relate to a combination of these conditions and other conditions from the medical records of claimants.

If she will make it her policy that local authorities issuing Blue Badges within her Department's guideline timescale of 12 weeks will be able to recover the full costs of delivering that service.

The Blue Badge scheme is administered, funded and operated at local level by individual local authorities. There are no timescales set for administering applications other than a suggested guideline that issuing authorities should aim to complete end to e...

What assessment he has made of the probability of young people switching from vaping to smoking tobacco products as a result of the implementation of a generational ban on tobacco sales.

It is very unlikely that young people will switch from vaping to smoking, as the generational ban on tobacco sales will make it illegal for children born on or after 1 January 2009 to ever legally be sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. Our modellin...

What assessment of the probability of an increase in youth smoking rates of illegal tobacco products as a result of the implementation of a generational ban on tobacco sales.

Smoking is still the biggest killer. It claims approximately 80,000 lives a year and puts huge pressure on our National Health Service, and costs taxpayers billions. By creating the first smoke-free generation we are stopping people from ever starting smo...

Whether there is a maximum time within which applications for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding to NHS Dorset must be actioned; and whether redress is available to applicants whose applications hav

Statutory guidance and assurance regimes are in place in respect of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) so that people are assessed and receive care in a timely way. NHS CHC guidance sets the expectation that the overall assessment and eligibility decision-ma...

With reference to the Prime Minister's speech entitled Keir Starmer's speech on fixing the foundations of our country: 27 August 2024, whether she plans to increase compensation for people impacted by the regulatory

The Equitable Life Payment Scheme has been fully wound down and closed since 2016 and there are no plans to reopen any decisions relating to the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. Further guidance on the st...

Whether any of the vials of (a) Pfizer and (b) Moderna covid-19 vaccines supplied to patients in the United Kingdom contained (i) variable and (ii) excessive levels of residual plasmid DNA.

All batches of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines released in the United Kingdom to date have passed their release specifications for DNA levels. The specifications are set in line with their respective controlled manufacturing process and in accord...

How many claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme on Covid-19 vaccinations have been (a) received, (b) successful, (c) unsuccessful as a result of the claim not meeting the 60 per cent disabilit

As of 22 November 2024, the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) has received 17,379 claims related to COVID-19 vaccinations. Of these, 194 claims have resulted in a payment being awarded, 9,196 have been rejected, 7,173 are awaiting resolution, and 816 w...

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2024 to Question 14442 on Access to Work Programme, what measurements her Department takes of the time scales for processing applications to monitor whether targets

The Department for Work and Pensions uses internal management information on finalised applications to oversee performance against our aspiration to process applications in 25 days. The Access to Work scheme continues to be in high demand, and we are cons...

How many applications for Access to Work assessments have been outstanding for more than two months; what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for such applications; and if she will make it her p

We are unable to provide information with regards to the number of applications for Access to Work which have been outstanding for more than two months because this information is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs....

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, as announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, on the ability of school meals providers to provide t

The government will provide funding to the public sector to support them with the additional costs associated with changes to Employers National Insurance Contributions policy.This funding will be additional to the £2.3 billion increase to core school bud...