What preparation is the Welsh Government undertaking for the potential use of a combination vaccine for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory illness?
My officials meet regularly with vaccine manufacturers and officials in the other UK governments to discuss vaccine products under development. This is part of the horizon scanning process, to identify, understand and plan for the health and operational opportunities and challenges attached to new vaccine products.
In terms of vaccination deployment, Wales, like the other UK nations, is guided by the advice and recommendations of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). There is currently no combined vaccine for COVID-19 and influenza authorised for use in the UK. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.