Our work and the experiences of Clinically Vulnerable households, as reported in the press since 2021.
If you are a member of a Clinically Vulnerable household and are interested in sharing your experiences in national or local news, please contact us.
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2026
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Image: Netpol
What Happened to Medical Masks? From a Public Health Protection to a Public Order Issue
Netpol looks at how wearing a mask became grounds for arrest under the new section 157 power, and what that means for people who rely on masks to protect their health.
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Image: The Canary
Police tell immunocompromised protesters wearing masks ‘get arrested and plead after’
Reports CVF’s warning that immunocompromised people must choose between attending protests unmasked, at risk to their health, or masked and risking arrest.
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Image: The Independent
Stay-at-home pandemic order sent message NHS was closed – Covid-19 Inquiry
Covers the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s report on the NHS during the pandemic, including how the stay-at-home message was received.
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Image: The Guardian
‘A new normal’: inquiry’s key findings on how Covid changed UK society
A summary of the final module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, on the legacy of the pandemic and its impact on mental health, key workers, and vulnerable and bereaved people.
2025
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Image: i News
Vulnerable patients at risk after more than half of NHS staff fail to get ’flu jab
Only a third of health staff had the ’flu jab last year, raising fears that vulnerable patients will catch the virus in hospital.
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Image: i News
Covid jabs gave under-18s heart problems – but were less risky than catching virus
The health impact of a Covid infection was higher than the risks from the vaccine for teens and children - but it won't settle arguments over current vaccine policy. The Covid vaccine caused a rare side effect of heart…
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Image: i News
We’ve spent £5k taking our children to Germany for Covid jabs after NHS rollback
Private providers are not licensed to give the vaccine to children under 12, prompting some desperate parents to make the costly journey abroad. Families are spending thousands of pounds travelling abroad to vaccinate their…
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Image: i News
NHS under pressure to expand Covid jab rollout after hidden benefits revealed
Ministers are under pressure to U-turn on the decision to limit access to the Covid vaccine over fears it is creating a two-tier healthcare system as demand for private jabs soars. Research suggests that mRNA Covid jabs could…
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Image: Children & Young People Now
Covid-19 Inquiry: student relives experience of being bullied for wearing a mask
Serren, who had only just turned 13 when the first Covid lockdown began, faced harassment and abuse from her fellow students and their parents because of her decision to wear a face covering and keep classroom windows open. From…
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Image: BBC News
Man with MND no longer eligible for Covid jab
A man living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has said he was shocked to find he was no longer eligible for a Covid vaccination. David Setters, 68, from Redhill, was diagnosed with MND a decade ago and uses a ventilator at night.…
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Image: The Guardian
The Covid inquiry: at age 14 she had to choose between an education or her mother’s life
Lana Collie-James was 14 years old in the midst of the Covid pandemic when she was offered a stark choice: her education or her mother’s life. “My mum’s Clinically Vulnerable. She has a compromised immune system, along with a…
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Image: The Canary
Covid booster eligibility narrowed for autumn 2025
UKHSA, on JCVI advice, limited autumn Covid boosters to people over 75, people who are immunosuppressed and care home residents. Commentary on what this means for clinically vulnerable people.
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Image: Doughty Street Chambers
Closing statements delivered in Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on Vaccines and Therapeutics
After 3 weeks of public hearings, Module 4 of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry completed on Friday 31st January 2025, with closing statements delivered by Core Participants. !
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Image: The Guardian
What has the UK Covid inquiry learned so far about vaccines and treatments?
The inquiry’s fourth module examined vaccine trials, procurement and preparedness for future pandemics, and what it meant for Clinically Vulnerable people.
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Image: i News
‘My son has been hospitalised twice with Covid, I’m terrified by the quad-emic’
Clinically Vulnerable people are cancelling or delaying medical appointments as the NHS battles a winter “quad-demic” of viruses, new data has shown. Escalating cases of ’flu, Covid, norovirus and the cold-like respiratory…
2024
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Image: LBC
Airborne transmission: A hidden threat that must be addressed
The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities in our healthcare system, but for those of us who have been fighting for the protection of Clinically Vulnerable people, this is nothing new.
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Image: The Guardian
Gavin Williamson to face Covid inquiry over impact of school closures
Adam Wagner, representing Clinically Vulnerable families, called for the inquiry to establish procedures, such as the provision of high-quality masks, clean air and good ventilation, for schools. “When schools are safe for the…
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Image: Disability News Service
CVF responds to the Covid Inquiry’s first report
Lara Wong, founder of Clinically Vulnerable Families, said the report had "starkly highlighted the nation's insufficient pandemic preparedness, severely affecting Clinically Vulnerable people".
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Image: Fitzrovia News
Covid inquiry report ‘overlooked the specific needs’ of clinically vulnerable people
The first report into the UK’s response to the Covid pandemic has “missed significant issues faced by Clinically Vulnerable (CV) families”, states an organisation which has given evidence to the public inquiry. The UK Covid-19…
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Image: Daily Echo
Eastleigh voter happy with new rule around photo ID
An organ transplant recipient who could not vote last year as she wears a face mask has hailed an outdoor ID check system." Note/ CVF would like to make it clear that a local trial was in place and no such "new rule" exists
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Image: Children & Young People Now
Hundreds of young people to reveal lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry will hear from hundreds of young people about the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to form legal evidence for future recommendations.
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Image: The Guardian
Cheaper private Covid jabs may end up as costly as pricier ones, say experts
Multi-dose vials could push up the charge per patient, with experts warning the cost could widen health inequalities.
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Image: The Guardian
Cost of private Covid jabs risks widening health inequalities, experts warn
Concerns that groups at higher risk from the virus face a hefty price tag for private vaccination, with Boots set to charge almost £100 a shot.
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Image: West Country Voices
Don’t let TV soaps make Covid reality a casualty
A recent episode of the hospital drama Casualty misrepresented the very serious risks that Covid still poses. Jane Stevenson wrote to the BBC to explain just how wrong they’d got it. On Saturday 9th March, an episode of Casualty…
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Image: i News
I’m immunosuppressed and I was stopped from voting for wearing a mask
Andrea Barrett, who had a heart transplant as a child and is medically vulnerable, is challenging ‘discriminatory’ new voter ID rules after being told she could not vote at polling station unless she removed her mask
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Image: London News Online
Covid-19 protesters demand changes to infection control guidelines as ITV series airs
Protesters gathered outside St Thomas’ Hospital on Monday to hand out leaflets and face masks as they demanded changes to “flawed” infection control guidelines in place across the NHS.
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Image: i News
People with medical allergies can finally get first Covid jab – if they pay £45
People with medical conditions and allergies who have been unable to get Covid vaccines will finally be able to access their first jab – but it will cost them £45. The Novavax vaccine is set to go on sale privately throughout…
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Image: i News
Parents furious at Government drive to send poorly children to school
A Government campaign that encourages parents to send their children to school despite them having a runny nose or stomach ache has been criticised as “patronising, insulting and dangerous”. Families with serious health issues…
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Image: i News
Patients denied latest Covid vaccine after having booster jab earlier in rollout
Clinically Vulnerable patients such as David Brown have voiced concerns at being denied a newer XBB vaccine despite it being more effective against the JN.1 strain
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Image: BBC News
End of Covid-19 booster programme is alarming, says former actress
A woman classed as Clinically Vulnerable has said she is concerned about the end to the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme. Sarah Steven, from Buckinghamshire, believes people "need vaccines to protect them all year round…
2023
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Image: The Guardian
Changes to Covid treatment system in England ‘could lead to postcode lottery’
Changes to the way Covid treatments are obtained by those most at risk from the disease could lead to a “postcode lottery” for access, experts have said, with charities saying that patients have been left confused and frustrated…
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Image: The Guardian
Covid’s back, you say? As disabled and vulnerable people know all too well, it never went away
It is 1.35pm and I’m having to explain coronavirus transmission to a nurse. I am due an appointment at 2.30, and I’ve been phoned because I say I’m Clinically Vulnerable. I ask whether the nurse has an N95 mask (as they’re proved…
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Image: Sky News
Joint COVID and ’flu autumn booster vaccination programme pushed back
NHS England has been criticised for a lack of transparency and communication, with a pharmacist saying the change of plan will likely "catch patients off guard". NHS England is set to push back the joint COVID-19 and ’flu autumn…
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Image: i News
Medically vulnerable say they couldn’t vote in local elections because of voter ID rules
This year's local elections are the first time voters have had to show photographic ID.
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Image: The Independent
You may have forgotten about Covid – but clinically vulnerable people don’t have that luxury
As part of that process, the Covid-19 infection survey has been paused ahead of a review by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). My unease over this has only grown since the last updated was published. I believe this will…
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Image: i News
The family taken to court for removing their vulnerable children from school during Covid
When parents are regularly contacting the school and asking for help and support and trying to work out a plan to get their children back to school safely, they shouldn’t be taken to court.”
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Image: i News
Clinically vulnerable ‘absolutely outraged’ as Covid guidance for high risk patients removed from NHS website
Lara Wong, founder of campaign group Clinically Vulnerable Families, said the decision was minimising the lived experience of high risk individuals to the point they are not even worthy of a mention.
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Image: Disability News Service
Covid inquiry ‘must publish early report on safety of clinically vulnerable people’
The campaign group Clinically Vulnerable Families (CVF) made the call at a preliminary hearing of the inquiry’s third module, which will examine health systems across the UK.
2022
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Image: i News
Strep A: Parents taking clinically vulnerable children out of school early over infection concerns
Campaigners said parents were ‘incredibly concerned’ and many felt they had no choice but to risk potential fines and prosecutions by keeping their children home ahead of the end of term
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Image: Daily Mirror
Autumn Statement 2022: the impact on disabled people who cannot work
Commentary on how the November 2022 Autumn Statement affects disabled people who are unable to work.
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Image: Schools Week
‘Don’t call us ghost children’: The vulnerable families who fear school return.
Push to get children back to the classroom leaves families with severe health conditions feeling their needs are not being met
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Image: Independent SAGE
indie_SAGE – weekly briefing 4th Nov 2022
On this briefing, we had a discussion on Covid safety, especially with regard to the #CEV community, with guests Dr Lennard Lee, Lara Wong & Cathy Finnis, hosted by Dr Stephen Griffin & Prof Sheena Cruickshank, chaired by Prof…
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Image: Guernsey Press
Covid inquiry: Those who suffered will be at its heart, Baroness Hallett vows
The former judge promised that the inquiry would ‘not drag on for decades, producing reports when it is too late for them to do any good’.
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Image: i News
GCSE results: Girl who taught herself while shielding to protect mum offered free tuition after grades dismay
Generous i readers have offered free tuition to Lana Collie-James for GCSE resits as the teenager prepares to start college with fresh hope for her art course dreams
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Image: i News
GCSE results: Girl who ‘taught herself’ while shielding to protect her mother feels devastated by her grades
Lana Collie-James’ GCSE results are a ‘world away’ from her predicted grades, says her mother Anna who believes her daughter was ‘massively let down’ and that the needs of Clinically Vulnerable families were dismissed
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Image: i News
Covid testing for people without symptoms in care homes and hospitals to be scrapped at the end of August
Covid testing for people without symptoms in care homes and hospitals to be scrapped at the end of August
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Image: Independent SAGE
indie_SAGE – weekly briefing 29th July 2022
On this briefing we had a session on ‘Creating Safe Environments’, with guests Dr. David Tomlinson, Lara Wong and Assc Prof Lena Ciric, session hosted by Prof Trish Greenhalgh & Prof Susan Michie, Dr Guddi Singh as chair & Prof…
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Image: Leicester Mercury
Martin Lewis makes horrifying ‘warm bank’ prediction
Fears growing that energy bills could top £3,200 - meaning millions won't be able to afford heating
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Image: i News
Clinically vulnerable avoiding hospitals as mask rules relaxed
One mum reveals she won't go to hospital for a heart procedure while another vulnerable patient believes removing the mask mandate in clinical settings will not only put people at risk of Covid, but increase staffing pressure on…
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Image: The Independent
Thousands of patients still catching Covid on hospital wards amid warning of new wave
Exclusive: ‘We will have a new wave of infections this month,’ warns Professor Christina Pagel
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Image: i News
Elderly woman with agoraphobia says she was ‘forgotten’ by Covid home vaccine scheme
A housebound woman says she received her first two Covid jabs at home but heard nothing about her boosters, and there are concerns that others like her are slipping through the net.
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Image: i News
‘I had to teach myself my GCSEs while shielding at home to protect my clinically vulnerable mother’
A teenager says she has been forced to teach herself her GCSEs while shielding to protect her vulnerable mother because her school has not provided adequate resources.
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Image: Independent SAGE
indie_SAGE – weekly briefing 13th May 2022
In this briefing, Independent SAGE along with several unions the Covid-19 Safety Pledge & had discussion on how to keep public spaces safe. With guests Janet Newsham, Tracy Edwards, Lara Wong and many others, chaired by Professor…
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Image: TFN Scotland
Campaigners demand workplaces are made Covid safe as workers return
Unions back scheme to ensure healthy working environments "A coalition of safety campaigners, trade unions and public health experts are battling to make workplaces safe from Covid infections.
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Image: The Independent
Clinically vulnerable Covid patients denied access to live-saving drugs
Patients have reported being turned away by GPs and hospital doctors, while others say they’ve been ‘pushed from pillar to post’ in an attempt to get hold of the medication
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Image: Daily Mirror
Over one million high-risk people still in lockdown after Covid restrictions lifted
Some 1.3 million very high-risk people are still in lockdown, fearing for their lives as the Government lifts Covid curbs.
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Image: Sky News
COVID: Vulnerable coronavirus patients getting at-home treatment which improves symptoms ‘within hours’
The health service said it had procured nearly five million doses of Paxlovid and other antivirals, such as Molnupiravir, as part of a deal struck with the government.
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Image: HuffPost UK
‘I Feel Scared’: Clinically Vulnerable People Are Struggling To Access Covid Antivirals
High-risk patients say they are being left without the antiviral medicines they were told they are entitled to.
2021
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Image: The Guardian
Michele Brown was vaccinated – but had a suppressed immune system. Would better health advice have saved her?
A mother of two shielded carefully until told it was safe to see friends and family, without knowing how her existing conditions could affect her risk.
