Flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme - autumn/winter 2021-2022: equality impact assessment

Inclusive approach

41. Throughout tranche 1 JCVI also advised that implementation should involve flexibility in vaccine deployment at a local level with due attention to:

• mitigating health inequalities, such as might occur in relation to access to healthcare and ethnicity;
• vaccine product storage, transport and administration constraints;
• exceptional individualised circumstances; and
• availability of suitable approved vaccines, for example for specific age cohorts.

42. Scottish Government and the NHS worked together with partners to implement the recommendations in the Health Inequalities Impact Assessment developed by Public Health Scotland. The actions taken are outlined in this EQIA and include adapted approaches for the vaccination of people experiencing homelessness, refugees and asylum seekers, people affected by addictions, some ethnic minorities, people with low income and those with poor literacy and health literacy, prisoners and other groups. This work has reported regularly to the Programme Board.

43. Scottish Government's overall approach is set out in more detail in these published plans:

COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan January 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan March 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): vaccine deployment plan: update - March 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan July 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): vaccine deployment plan: update - July 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Vaccination Autumn-Winter Strategy September 2021

Scotland's autumn/ winter vaccination strategy 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)