top of page

news

If you are a member of a Clinically Vulnerable household and are interested in sharing your experiences in national or local news do contact us.

People with medical allergies can finally get first Covid jab – if they pay £45

People with medical allergies can finally get first Covid jab – if they pay £45

14th February 2024

"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 Britain from 1 April this year.

This will mean that those previously unable to obtain the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations due to potential adverse reactions may now be able to receive a Covid jab because Novavax is a different kind of vaccine."

Parents furious at Government drive to send poorly children to school

Parents furious at Government drive to send poorly children to school

11th February 2024

"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 reacted furiously to the campaign to boost school attendance, accusing the Department for Education (DfE) of “dangerous messaging” that ignored the needs and safety of the clinically vulnerable.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw these attendance ads,” said Michelle Bulloch, the mother of clinically extremely vulnerable twins. "

End of Covid-19 booster programme is alarming, says former actress

End of Covid-19 booster programme is alarming, says former actress

31st January 2024

"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 because there are no mitigations in place"."

Changes to Covid treatment system in England ‘could lead to postcode lottery’

Changes to Covid treatment system in England ‘could lead to postcode lottery’

24th September 2023

"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 by the new system.

Previously, people eligible for Covid treatments in England were contacted by their local Covid Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) once they reported testing positive for the virus."

Covid’s back, you say? As disabled and vulnerable people know all too well, it never went away

Covid’s back, you say? As disabled and vulnerable people know all too well, it never went away

10th September 2023

"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 to be most effective). She does not. I ask whether she and the team are taking weekly lateral flow tests, like her colleague said. She is not, and is unsure why that was promised.

“We don’t need to do that any more,” she says breezily. What she means is: she has no official duty to do so any more. Clinically vulnerable (CV) patients still “need” the Covid-19 protections. They just don’t get them."

Joint COVID and flu autumn booster vaccination programme pushed back

Joint COVID and flu autumn booster vaccination programme pushed back

8th August 2023

"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 booster vaccination programme in a move criticised by clinically vulnerable patients and leading pharmacists.

While school-aged children will be able to receive the flu shot from 1 September, adults aren't expected to start getting flu and COVID vaccines until October, a month later than recent years."

Medically vulnerable say they couldn’t vote in local elections because of voter ID rules

Medically vulnerable say they couldn’t vote in local elections because of voter ID rules

4th May 2023

"This year's local elections are the first time voters have had to show photographic ID."

You may have forgotten about Covid – but clinically vulnerable people don’t have that luxury

You may have forgotten about Covid – but clinically vulnerable people don’t have that luxury

4th April 2023

"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 potentially have a serious knock-on effect for thousands of clinically vulnerable Britons."

The family taken to court for removing their vulnerable children from school during Covid

The family taken to court for removing their vulnerable children from school during Covid

31st March 2023

“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.”"

Clinically vulnerable ‘absolutely outraged’ as Covid guidance for high risk patients removed from NHS website

Clinically vulnerable ‘absolutely outraged’ as Covid guidance for high risk patients removed from NHS website

24th March 2023

"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."

Covid inquiry ‘must publish early report on safety of clinically vulnerable people’

Covid inquiry ‘must publish early report on safety of clinically vulnerable people’

2nd March 2023

"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."

Strep A: Parents taking clinically vulnerable children out of school early over infection concerns

Strep A: Parents taking clinically vulnerable children out of school early over infection concerns

12th December 2022

"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"

Strep A: Parents remove clinically susceptible children from school early because of infection problems

Strep A: Parents remove clinically susceptible children from school early because of infection problems

12th December 2022

"Families with clinically vulnerable children are “incredibly concerned” about the Strep A outbreak and have it"

Jeremy Hunt vows to protect disabled people - but those who can’t work suffer again

Jeremy Hunt vows to protect disabled people - but those who can’t work suffer again

17th November 2022

"Jeremy Hunt vowed to protect disabled people, but in his Autumn Statement he once again hits those can't work, leaving them to suffer"

'Don’t call us ghost children’: The vulnerable families who fear school return.

'Don’t call us ghost children’: The vulnerable families who fear school return.

4th November 2022

"Push to get children back to the classroom leaves families with severe health conditions feeling their needs are not being met"

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 4th Nov 2022

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 4th Nov 2022

4th November 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 Anthony Costello & numbers by Prof Christina Pagel."

Covid inquiry: Those who suffered will be at its heart, Baroness Hallett vows

Covid inquiry: Those who suffered will be at its heart, Baroness Hallett vows

4th October 2022

"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’."

GCSE results: Girl who taught herself while shielding to protect mum offered free tuition after grades dismay

GCSE results: Girl who taught herself while shielding to protect mum offered free tuition after grades dismay

12th September 2022

"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"

GCSE results: Girl who ‘taught herself’ while shielding to protect her mother feels devastated by her grades

GCSE results: Girl who ‘taught herself’ while shielding to protect her mother feels devastated by her grades

25th August 2022

"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"

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

24th August 2022

"Covid testing for people without symptoms in care homes and hospitals to be scrapped at the end of August"

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 29th July 2022

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 29th July 2022

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 Christina Pagel on numbers."

Martin Lewis makes horrifying 'warm bank' prediction

Martin Lewis makes horrifying 'warm bank' prediction

14th July 2022

"Fears growing that energy bills could top £3,200 - meaning millions won't be able to afford heating"

Clinically vulnerable avoiding hospitals as mask rules relaxed

Clinically vulnerable avoiding hospitals as mask rules relaxed

4th July 2022

"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 the NHS."

Thousands of patients still catching Covid on hospital wards amid warning of new wave

Thousands of patients still catching Covid on hospital wards amid warning of new wave

28th June 2022

"Exclusive: ‘We will have a new wave of infections this month,’ warns Professor Christina Pagel"

‘I had to teach myself my GCSEs while shielding at home to protect my clinically vulnerable mother’

‘I had to teach myself my GCSEs while shielding at home to protect my clinically vulnerable mother’

20th May 2022

"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."

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 13th May 2022

indie_SAGE - weekly briefing 13th May 2022

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 Stephen Reicher, hosted by Professor Anthony Costello and numbers presented by Dr. Deepti Gurdasani."

Campaigners demand workplaces are made Covid safe as workers return

Campaigners demand workplaces are made Covid safe as workers return

13th May 2022

"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."

Clinically vulnerable Covid patients denied access to live-saving drugs

Clinically vulnerable Covid patients denied access to live-saving drugs

25th April 2022

"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"

Over one million high-risk people still in lockdown after Covid restrictions lifted

Over one million high-risk people still in lockdown after Covid restrictions lifted

16th April 2022

"Some 1.3 million very high-risk people are still in lockdown, fearing for their lives as the Government lifts Covid curbs."

COVID: Vulnerable coronavirus patients getting at-home treatment which improves symptoms 'within hours'

COVID: Vulnerable coronavirus patients getting at-home treatment which improves symptoms 'within hours'

9th April 2022

"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."

'I Feel Scared': Clinically Vulnerable People Are Struggling To Access Covid Antivirals

'I Feel Scared': Clinically Vulnerable People Are Struggling To Access Covid Antivirals

6th April 2022

"High-risk patients are being left without the life-saving meds they were told they are entitled to.

People who are were previously told to shield from coronavirus have been unable to access antiviral medications, despite the government’s promise to offer the drugs to those “at highest risk of becoming seriously ill” after testing positive."

Covid in Scotland: Badge scheme failing to help the vulnerable

Covid in Scotland: Badge scheme failing to help the vulnerable

4th April 2022

"Free badges and lanyards for those worried about Covid risks in public are useless because no one knows what the symbols mean, people who shielded during the pandemic have said."

End of Covid rules sees most vulnerable 'rolling the dice'

End of Covid rules sees most vulnerable 'rolling the dice'

9th March 2022

"People are being reminded they still have responsibilities as the end of coronavirus rules could see society's most vulnerable, including tens of thousands people in Bradford, "rolling the dice" every time they go out."

Ending Coronavirus rules could impact Shropshire's most vulnerable - charities

Ending Coronavirus rules could impact Shropshire's most vulnerable - charities

28th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus restrictions could impact society's most vulnerable people, including more than 25,000 previously identified in Shropshire, charities have warned."

Covid rules ending to impact vulnerable people in Somerset

Covid rules ending to impact vulnerable people in Somerset

27th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society's most vulnerable people, including more than 10,000 previously identified in Somerset West and Taunton, charities have warned."

Thousands vulnerable in Blackburn as coronavirus rules end

Thousands vulnerable in Blackburn as coronavirus rules end

27th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society's most vulnerable people, including more than 10,000 previously identified in Blackburn with Darwen."

Charities issue warning over ending Covid rules

Charities issue warning over ending Covid rules

26th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society's most vulnerable people, including almost 100,000 previously identified across Staffordshire and the Black Country, charities have warned."

Over 11,000 'vulnerable' after Covid rule changes

Over 11,000 'vulnerable' after Covid rule changes

25th February 2022

"Over 11,000 people in South Tyneside are vulnerable because of the ending of coronavirus rules, charities have warned."

End of Covid protections could impact more than 10,000 vulnerable Arun residents

End of Covid protections could impact more than 10,000 vulnerable Arun residents

25th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society's most vulnerable people, including more than 10,000 previously identified in Arun, charities have warned."

Over 20,000 'vulnerable' after Covid rule changes

Over 20,000 'vulnerable' after Covid rule changes

25th February 2022

"Over 20,000 people in Northumberland are vulnerable because of the ending of coronavirus rules, charities have warned."

End of Covid protections could impact more than 10,000 vulnerable Herefordshire residents

End of Covid protections could impact more than 10,000 vulnerable Herefordshire residents

25th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society’s most vulnerable people, including more than 10,000 previously identified in Herefordshire, charities have warned."

End of Covid protections could impact tens of thousands of vulnerable Doncaster residents

End of Covid protections could impact tens of thousands of vulnerable Doncaster residents

25th February 2022

"The end of coronavirus rules could impact society's most vulnerable people, including tens of thousands previously identified in Doncaster, charities have warned."

Charity warns nearly 50,000 vulnerable people in Northamptonshire 'rolling the dice' every time they go out after Covid rules scrapped

Charity warns nearly 50,000 vulnerable people in Northamptonshire 'rolling the dice' every time they go out after Covid rules scrapped

25th February 2022

'"Removing restrictions means risk of catching Covid will increase', says group founder"


Clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be offered Covid guidance by Government as restrictions end


Clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be offered Covid guidance by Government as restrictions end

16th February 2022

"People who were previously classed as ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ will instead need to contact their GP or consultant for health advice on Covid, i understands"

Uptake of MMR vaccine and other life-saving children’s jabs falls with Covid making it worse, i analysis shows

Uptake of MMR vaccine and other life-saving children’s jabs falls with Covid making it worse, i analysis shows

14th February 2022

"Last year in total more than 92,000 children hadn’t received both MMR doses at five-years-old in England"

Covid isolation rules ending will devastate Clinically Vulnerable Families

Covid isolation rules ending will devastate Clinically Vulnerable Families

9th February 2022

"Campaigners representing clinically vulnerable people have said an end to Covid isolation rules for positive cases will devastate high risk families.
The Prime Minister has announced plans to scrap the legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive Covid test result by the end of February."

Boots will sell individual Covid tests for SIX POUNDS from tomorrow but will slash price to £2.50 by April as experts urge ministers to introduce Spain-like cap to stop retailers cashing in

Boots will sell individual Covid tests for SIX POUNDS from tomorrow but will slash price to £2.50 by April as experts urge ministers to introduce Spain-like cap to stop retailers cashing in

2nd February 2022

"Boots became first retailer to announce it will offer private lateral flow tests, starting at £5.99 from tomorrow
Calls among experts for price cap over profiteering fears with swabs costing £1 to manufacture domestically
Already test cost limits in Spain, France and Portugal, with Spanish Government setting a ceiling of just £2.45"

Patient safety and the right of the sick to reject care from unvaccinated staff

Patient safety and the right of the sick to reject care from unvaccinated staff

31st January 2022

"Patient safety and the right of the sick to reject care from unvaccinated staff"

Fears mount over children who have failed to return to school a year after classrooms reopened

Fears mount over children who have failed to return to school a year after classrooms reopened

30th January 2022

"Up to 100,000 children are yet to return to the UK’s classroom. What are the factors that are keeping them at home?"

Covid rule changes leave clinically vulnerable as ‘collateral damage’

Covid rule changes leave clinically vulnerable as ‘collateral damage’

21st January 2022

"Leading charities have spoken out against the government’s scrapping of Covid-19 measures warning that clinically vulnerable people have been made 'collateral damage for political considerations.' "

Contact us for more information from the Clinically Vulnerable Families UK Media Center.

bottom of page