What guidance did the Welsh Government provide to health boards regarding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to blind and partially sighted people, to ensure that they could access all necessary information about their appointments and be supported in attending vaccination centres?
The Vaccine Equity Committee (VEC) was established to provide advice on how to ensure all people in Wales who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination have fair access and fair opportunity to receive their vaccination. Our approach is set out in the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Strategy for Wales at : https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-03/covid-19-vaccination-equity-strategy-wales.pdf
The Committee have representation from all health boards, Welsh Government and relevant stakeholders. The Committee share and consider emerging research, intelligence and resources and has developed an action plan using evidence based interventions and approaches to monitor and reduce vaccine inequity.
The VEC has a specific sub group devoted to the needs of those with sensory impairment to consider the equity issues in more detail. The Royal National Institute of Blind People is a member of the group that worked closely with members to develop guidance for health boards to ensure signage and accessible communications, guide-dog friendly environments and sensory aware staff at vaccination centres. Large print materials are available and Public Health Wales information, including ‘recite me’ software, is available to enhance accessibility.