Issues being investigated under Term of Reference 2(d)

ToR 2(d) requires the Inquiry to investigate the strategic elements of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland relating to: 

“the design and delivery of a vaccination strategy”.

In relation to ToR 2(d) the Inquiry will examine:

1. Decision-making by the Scottish Government, including: the decisions in agreement with the UK approach of delivering the vaccine based on nine categories; the reasons for differences between the categories of persons shielding and those prioritised for vaccination; whether particular occupations should have been prioritised; the decisions and evidence in relation to children and vaccination; the reasons for the decision to extend the periods between the first and second doses of the vaccines; what information was available to the Scottish Government in respect of the success of vaccination when making decisions about restrictions, testing, and shielding following the rollout of vaccines; what information was available to the Scottish Government in respect of the possibility of adverse medical reactions to the vaccines; what considerations were given to long COVID when making decisions in respect of vaccination; and the use of vaccine passports.
2. Implementation of the vaccination strategy, including: the suitability of premises used for delivery of the vaccines; training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for those administering the vaccines; the arrangements for administering the vaccines, including rates of pay and impact on primary care, such as GPs, pharmacists, nurses etc; whether the target dates were met for vaccinating the various categories; the transport and storage of vaccines; the arrangements for booking and attending for vaccination; whether any consideration was given to Equality Impact Assessments; and the funding of Scottish laboratories.
3. Impacts of the vaccination strategy on individuals, including: the disadvantages and stigma suffered by persons who did not wish to be vaccinated; access issues in obtaining vaccination; impacts of vaccine requirements; and the reasons particular persons entitled to the vaccine did not attend for vaccination and/or boosters.
4. Communication, including: public messaging to encourage people to come forward for their vaccination; communication around issues such as vaccination in pregnancy and “no jab, no job”; the possibility of adverse medical reactions to the vaccines; and support around the issue of vaccine injury.
5. Information conveyed to the Scottish Government concerning the testing and safety of vaccines, and the strategic decisions taken by the Scottish Government in light of such information, and, in particular, the decision not to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to persons under the age of 40.