FOI release

Freedom of Information request on whether the COVID-19 vaccine rollout involves the administration of a placebo (FOI 21-687)

Published 13 August 2021

30th June 2021 FOI 21/687

Dear

Thank you for your email.

The vaccine rollout to the general population does not involve the administration of any placebo.

If an individual is involved in a clinical trial (to which the individual must give their informed consent) then they will be informed by the healthcare professional whether or not they may receive a placebo vaccine as part of the randomisation into groups of active and placebo patients.

If you have a query about the information provided, please reply to this email

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date you receive this response and addressed to: info@mhra.gov.uk

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

If you were to remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you would have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Please bear in mind that the Information Commissioner will not normally review our handling of your request unless you have first contacted us to conduct an internal review. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner’s Office Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely

MHRA Customer Service Centre

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Telephone 0203 080 6000