The Cystic Fibrosis Trust joins calls for better communication and protections for Immunosuppressed people

With just over a week to go before restrictions are set to lift in England, we, as part of a coalition of 16 UK health charities, are calling on the Government to do more to support around half a million people who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, and so may be less protected by the Covid-19 vaccine.

YouGov data³ released today shows that over two thirds (68%) of UK adults are not aware that people who have certain health conditions, or who take specific medication, are not as protected by both doses of Covid-19 vaccine as effectively as the general public. The coalition of patient organisations are concerned that many immunocompromised or immunosuppressed people have not been informed that they may still be more vulnerable to Covid-19 post-vaccination, and awareness of this issue amongst employers and the general public is also low.

What will change on 19 July?

With the Government removing any legal requirements in relation to mask wearing, and urging people to exercise their own personal responsibility, the coalition is concerned that the public and immunocompromised will not be able to make informed choices about their behaviour. In order to exercise personal responsibility, people need to have all the relevant information regarding both their own risk level and the risks faced by other people who may not be protected through vaccination.

Now that the Government is advising that, as of 19 July, people no longer need to work from home and that decisions regarding working arrangements need to be agreed between employers and employees, there are also concerns that employers are not aware of the fact thousands of people could still be at higher risk due to having an existing health condition or receiving certain treatments.

What are the Coalition calling for?

• Improved Government/NHS communications to patients, the wider public and employers about the potentially higher and continued risk Covid-19 poses to immunocompromised groups. This should include a clear roadmap for people who may not be well protected by the vaccine and who continue to be at risk from Covid-19.
• Continued employment protection and access to workplace adjustments for immunocompromised people, including the duty to consider working from home wherever possible or flexibility in start and finish times so as to avoid peak-time travel, so no one is forced to choose between protecting their health and protecting their livelihood.
• A commitment that research into Covid-19 booster vaccines, and the development of the planned booster programme more broadly, will specifically consider how best to deliver the maximum level of protection possible to immunocompromised or immunosuppressed people and that these groups are prioritised.
• Investment in and access to alternative treatments which may prove more effective for immunocompromised groups.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK said: “We of course understand and share the desire to return to something close to normality again, but this cannot be at the expense of thousands of lives. The needs and safety of those at risk must be considered as a matter of urgency as the country lifts the measures which were providing some protection for them.”  

We need better communication so that those who may not be as well protected by the vaccine can make informed decisions about their own personal risk. Everyone needs to understand how they can continue to protect those that remain vulnerable; any one of those 500,000 people could be your mum, your brother, your colleague, or your best friend.”

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “We have written to Sajid Javid and, with restrictions lifting, are calling on him to ensure Government guidance and communications reflect the additional risks for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. It is vitally important that the general public, as much as possible, are aware of the continued risk from Covid-19 to the large number of Immunosuppressed people in the UK and that they are effectively supported.”