Family of disabled girl criticise Scottish Government over vaccine access
THE family of a disabled girl has criticised the Scottish Government after she failed to secure a vaccine appointment.
Katie Steel, 14, has cerebral and bulbar palsy and her family say they have been advised that she should receive the coronavirus vaccine.
They say her neurology team contacted the Scottish Government’s Covid Hub to organise this, but were told it was not available to her.
The vaccine is only available to clinically vulnerable young people aged over 16.
But Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who is helping Katie’s family, said the charity Contact has reported that vulnerable children in England have already been receiving their vaccine.
She wrote to SNP Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to raise the case. In a letter in response, Mr Yousaf outlined guidance for people aged 16 and 17 and said the Scottish Government’s Covid Hub had reported no record of any communication with Katie’s neurologist.
Ms Baillie said: “Katie’s family are distraught and need help to secure a vaccine appointment for Katie now.
“The minister’s complete failure to respond pro-actively to this call for help is deeply disappointing and questions must be asked about why younger people in Scotland who are clinically vulnerable are struggling to get vaccinated.
“It’s high time Humza Yousaf rethinks and decides to intervene positively on Katie’s behalf.”
Katie’s mother, Clare Steel, said: “There is nothing more important to my family than the safety of our daughter. But despite the best efforts of Katie’s doctors, the Government has made it clear that it is not willing to help.
“Mr Yousaf’s letter was deeply disappointing. I hope, for the sake of Katie and all the other young people in her situation, he reconsiders.”
In his letter, Mr Yousaf said: “I can appreciate this must be a very stressful time as Mrs Steel looks to have Katie vaccinated in a safe and efficient manner.
“While we cannot comment on individual medical cases or possible reactions to any of the vaccines, we encourage Mrs Steel to follow the advice from Katie’s clinicians on how to proceed with her vaccination plan.” He said young adults “identified as clinically extremely vulnerable or having an underlying health condition continue to remain a high priority”.
His letter said the Covid Hub “has stated that they do not have a record of any communication with Katie’s neurologist. Therefore, if yourself or the neurologist could please forward the correspondence, I would be pleased to personally follow up.”
Mr Yousaf later said: “We absolutely understand Mrs Steel’s desire to get her daughter Katie vaccinated and we’re sorry she has felt frustrated in her attempts.
“The JCVI has not yet published its advice on under 16s – and if that advice supports extending the age range, then we will of course act accordingly.”