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Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 23 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Meningitis: Vaccination

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they conducted a health impact equality assessment before awarding the Meningitis B vaccination programme to community pharmacies.

Answer

In developing vaccination policy, the Department has due regard to its duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty. Consideration of equality and health inequalities impacts are undertaken as part of the development, implementation, and review of vaccination programmes. In developing the policy on this urgent meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme, the Department had due regard to its duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The operational delivery of vaccinations is led by NHS England, including the providers commissioned to deliver the vaccination programme. An Equality Health Impact Assessment is being developed by NHS England to support in the identification and mitigation of inequalities in access and outcomes as relates to the rollout of this MenB programme.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1430
Session
2026-27
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Pharmacy Meningitis Vaccination
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk