Written question WQ83704

The policy for allergies sits with a number of teams within Welsh Government, depending on the area. Allergy services policy direction sits within the Population Health Directorate. Officials have recently undertaken a national survey of allergy services within health boards to ensure services are fit for purpose and are working with Cardiff and Vale UHB in relation to enhancing services. The team involved in this consists of four officials who have a wide range of major health conditions within their portfolio.

Welsh Government officials from Public Health Division also work closely with colleagues from the Food Standards Agency in relation to food allergens.

The Covid-19 Vaccines Team has put in place arrangements for an all-Wales generic allergy advice service, provided by Cardiff and Vale UHB. This is available to clinicians in order to help inform their decisions on Covid-19 vaccinations in Wales. Initially, the service was available to provide a single point of referral into the specialist service and offered equity of vaccine take-up for both 1st and 2nd doses. The availability of the service will be extended to continue to provide advice to the booster programme, catch up of 1st and 2nd doses of individuals and the vaccination rollout to 12-15 year olds. This will means that anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine but is concerned about an allergy, can get the advice that is needed to make an informed decision about their vaccination.