Equality Act 2010
Disabled people are protected from indirect discrimination if a policy (e.g. banning masks) disproportionately harms their ability to participate in events or public life.

Human Rights Act 1998
Prohibits discrimination in the enjoyment of rights.

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Health-related masking is protected, and Clinically Vulnerable people have rights under the Equality Act and Human Rights Act.

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Might we remind you that *even* the police cannot legally force Clinically Vulnerable people to remove face coverings at protests unless there is a lawful and proportionate reason.

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If you’d like to get our weekly Covid risk assessments direct to your email inbox, completely free of charge, you can subscribe here: budscovidinfo.substack.com

This is BuDS’ 254th Covid risk assessment since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are still the only organisation publishing free risk data for disabled and clinically vulnerable people. We will update you on the situation again next week.

Private flu and Covid vaccinations remain widely available from most pharmacies. Covid vaccines cost £90-£120 per dose, while flu vaccines cost £10-£15 per dose. If you cannot get either vaccine on the NHS, we strongly recommend that you consider doing so privately if you can afford it. (6/6)

NHS flu vaccinations are much more widely available than Covid vaccinations (despite Covid generally being a much more severe disease). We very strongly recommend that you book a flu vaccination through your GP if you have not already received one. (5/6)

Once again, clinically vulnerable people, carers, NHS staff, and essential workers will not be eligible for the spring 2026 booster. We once again urge the Government to reconsider this decision, especially with a new Covid wave beginning to build. (4/6)

Disappointingly, the Government have decided that only those groups eligible for the 2025 autumn booster will be eligible for the spring 2026 booster, i.e. people over 75, people in a care home, and clinically immunocompromised people. (3/6)