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COVID-19 Vaccine for Households of Those with Weakened Immune Systems

Households of adults with weak immune systems to be vaccinated

Experts say these vaccinations will help protect the vulnerable person in their household

New vaccine advice

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to prioritise people for the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine who are over 16 and living with adults who have weakened immune systems.

This is likely to include households in which a member was previously advised to shield. Each of the four nations is considering this new advice and how to implement it.

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Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said:

"Our surveillance systems and research studies are showing that the COVID-19 vaccines can reduce asymptomatic infection and limit transmission of the virus. By vaccinating those who live with adults who are immunosuppressed, we can further help protect vulnerable people."

Household contacts considered as a priority would be those over 16 who share living accommodation with adults who are immunosuppressed. The JCVI does not currently advise vaccination of household contacts of immunosuppressed children, or household contacts of immunosuppressed adults who are themselves children.