What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve the uptake of childhood vaccinations in larger custodial settings, following the observed increase in refusals during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by researchers at the University of Manchester?
Primary care and pharmacy services at custodial settings for young offenders are provided by the relevant health board. Public Health Wales also provides a communicable disease health inclusion service, which provides further support.
There is one Young Offenders Institution in Wales and young people are routinely offered vaccinations on entry to ensure they are up to date with immunisations. A 2024 survey, undertaken as part of a health and social care needs assessment, reported most young people were happy to comply with vaccination offers. A report issued in January 2024 by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, also reported all young people in the institution who were due routine immunisations were up to date.