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The Covid vaccine rollout, recognised as the largest immunisation campaign in UK history, has been described by the Covid inquiry as an “extraordinary feat.” The fourth report from the inquiry highlighted the rapid development and deployment of vaccines, noting that 132 million doses were administered in 2021. Additionally, the UK’s efforts in identifying effective treatments for Covid-19 were commended.
This positive assessment stands in contrast to earlier inquiry reports, which were critical of the government’s preparations and management throughout the pandemic, particularly regarding NHS operations and decision-making processes. Despite the praise, the report identified areas requiring improvement, including addressing vaccine hesitancy and enhancing support for individuals adversely affected by the vaccines, with calls for easier access to higher compensation.
Baroness Hallett, chair of the inquiry, emphasised the life-saving impact of the vaccine programme, referencing research suggesting that more than 475,000 lives were saved after over 90% of those aged 12 and over received vaccinations. She cited two major successes during the pandemic: the vaccine rollout and the use of dexamethasone, a steroid treatment that helped prevent fatal lung damage. However, she noted that uptake was lower in deprived areas and certain ethnic minority communities, attributing this to mistrust in authorities, misinformation online, and concerns about the rapid vaccine development. She urged governments and health services to collaborate with communities to rebuild trust and improve communication regarding vaccine benefits and risks.
The inquiry also called for better support for the small minority harmed by Covid vaccines. Over 20,000 claims have been made to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, yet only around 1% have resulted in payments of £120,000. The current system, which requires proof of at least 60% disability, is considered ineffective in relation to Covid vaccine injuries. The report recommended that compensation levels, capped since 2007, should increase in line with inflation and take into account varying degrees of injury. Kerry Clarkson, who suffered rare blood clots after the Oxford AstraZeneca jab and continues to experience serious health problems, described the scheme as “not fit for purpose” after being denied compensation despite ongoing impairments.
The report criticised the government’s decision to make Covid vaccination mandatory for care home workers in June 2021 and plans to extend the mandate to all health and care staff, which were later reversed. Evidence suggested vaccination primarily prevented serious illness rather than stopping infection spread, and these mandates may have increased vaccine hesitancy and alienation among workers. Unison general secretary Andrea Egan argued that compulsory vaccination was “never the right way” to handle concerns, recommending targeted campaigns instead to combat misinformation and reassure staff. In response, a government spokeswoman praised the vaccine programme as “unprecedented,” acknowledging the contributions of scientists, healthcare workers, and volunteers. The government stated it would review the inquiry’s findings carefully and remain committed to learning vital lessons from the pandemic experience
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