Scottish Government stance on Covid-19 vaccine: FOI release

Information requested

Last weekend the prime minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson working with the media requested the population to get the booster jab.

He said although the double vaccines produce a lot of protection it doesn't stop you transmitting or getting the disease. (Covid19) Can the Scottish government please confirm if this statement is factually correct or is Mr Johnson in fact a liar?

If this statement is true would the Scottish government consider removal of the vaccine passports as these would be a great cost to the economy for no beneficial reason.

Response

Below is a copy of the information requested. 

The answer to your question is Covid-19 vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be effective and safe. On 27 March, UK Health Security Agency published the results of a study that found a single dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca can reduce the transmission of COVID. Those given a single dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca – and became infected at least 3 weeks later – were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on to those living in their homes, compared to those who were unvaccinated.

Provided is the link in respect to effectiveness, COVID-19 vaccines highly effective in most people in clinical risk groups - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This highlights that after 2 doses, vaccine effectiveness was 81% with AstraZeneca in people in risk groups aged 16 to 64. No data is available for Pfizer-BioNTech. Furthermore people in risk groups aged 65 and over, vaccine effectiveness with Pfizer-BioNTech was 89% and 80% with AstraZeneca.

In terms of the detailed published analysis. that covers vaccine effectiveness. You may find the following report of assistance; COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report - week 38 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

However, you may wish to contact Rt. Hon Prime Minister Johnston, there is contact details at bottom of the page on the attached link Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), since you have made reference to his statement.

It is not the intention of the Scottish Government to remove vaccine certification at this time. Although matters are regularly reviewed, in terms of application and effectiveness.

Finally, I would highlight the attached link below, in terms of the Scottish Government's position in regard, to vaccine certification, transmission and economic impact.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine certification: evidence paper - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.