Covid-19 vaccination exemptions: FOI release

Information requested

Information on whether all MSPs were exempt from taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

Response

The answer to your question is that Covid-19 vaccination was never mandatory for any groups in Scotland, including MSPs. The decision to get vaccinated was a personal choice and so therefore exemption from taking the vaccine does not apply in Scotland.

Covid-19 vaccine certification was used in Scotland, however MSPs fell under the same restrictions as the general public. Exemptions from Covid-19 vaccine certification was provided in specific circumstances where there was a clinical rationale for not vaccinating, including allergy and contraindication. These exemptions applied to all groups in Scotland, including MSPs.

For further information on Covid-19 vaccine certification exemption, please see Medical Exemption Certificates granted for Covid-19 vaccination: FOI release - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) and Exemptions - The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 and The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022: equality impact assessment - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

Information on which individuals were granted exemptions is not held by Scottish Government, as this is personal and confidential medical information.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.