UK FIRST FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN WALES

PEOPLE with HIV in Wales will no longer have to disclose their status when getting the coronavirus vaccine.

Those living with the immunological condition in the UK are set to get the Covid-19 vaccine in phase 6 of the roll-out, after people over 65 and along with those with other health issues.

However, up until now, people with HIV had to tell their GP if they wanted to get their jabs as soon as possible.

That rule sparked fierce criticism from campaigners and charities.

The Terrence Higgins Trust argued the fear of discrimination results in many people living with HIV not disclosing their HIV status to their GP. However, the Welsh Government has now removed that rule – in what is a UK first.

Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS, welcomed the decision.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see Wales leading the way again on HIV.

“Sadly for too many, the stigma associated with HIV can impact on accessing other health services.

“This decision will mean that those people living with HIV can access the Covid vaccine in the best way from them.

“We now need to see other parts of the UK follow suit.”

Richard Angell, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “It’s brilliant that the Welsh Government has listened to our campaign.

“This is a massive step forward for many people living with HIV – getting the Covid-19 vaccine should be about keeping people safe from coronavirus and not dependent on disclosing your HIV status and worrying about facing stigma.

“Where Wales have led the way, we hope others follow their example.”

According to the latest statistics, there were 2,378 people living and accessing HIV related care in Wales in 2019.