To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the vaccination programme for staff at special schools; and whether he will ensure this includes all staff.

The Northern Ireland vaccination programme is being implemented in line with JCVI recommendations.

Whilst I acknowledge the anxieties of staff, parents and carers for children and young people who attend special schools, JCVI has not recommended prioritisation by occupation.

However plans are being finalised to vaccinate a number of staff in special schools who provide close personal care to a number of clinically vulnerable children.

It is recognised that staff directly supporting these children will undertake roles which will align to the multi-agency educational and care plans for these children who are the most clinically vulnerable.

Discussions have taken place between the Education Authority, Public Health Agency, Paediatricians and my department to identify a cohort of children and young people with the most complex additional healthcare needs who are clinically vulnerable to severe effects of COVID.

I am pleased to say these children have now been identified, and operational arrangements are being finalised to help EA and special schools to identify the staff who support these children and young people. These staff undertake procedures with the children identified that require them to work in close proximity for prolonged periods of time with the particular children and young people. The eligible staff will be able to book in for vaccination at one of the seven regional vaccination centres.

Any special school staff not identified as belonging to the cohort above will be vaccinated in line with the age or clinical status cohort they belong to.