On Friday the government published the response to their consultation on the legislative changes that will affect how services will be able to operate in delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. These changes may have a big impact on the services you provide. Below is a summary of how these changes will impact you.
Patient Group Directions (PGDs) will for a temporary period allow for unlicensed medications to be administered under them. This will include a COVID-19 vaccine once the MRHA have advised the government that a vaccine meets safety, efficacy and quality criteria.
A new ‘National Protocol’ will expand the workforce that are able to vaccinate. This will include registered healthcare professionals and non-registered healthcare professionals. They will work under this new protocol which will be similar to a PGD and will not require a prescription or PSD.
All new vaccinators will be required to complete comprehensive training and competency assessment prior to vaccinating. This will include, where possible, the supervision of an experienced immuniser.
The law has been changed to allow promotion of prescription medication. Pharmaceutical companies will be allowed to promote treatments that are used as a response to a public health emergency. These promotions will have to be approved by government ministers.
The law has been changed to allow promotion of prescription medication. Pharmaceutical companies will be allowed to promote treatments that are used as a response to a public health emergency. These promotions will have to be approved by government ministers.
Transfer of surplus stock of vaccines from one organisation to another organisation will be made simpler. The ‘wholesale dealers license exemption’ will allow for transfer where one provider has more stock than is required.
The government will now be putting this legislation in place, assuming these measures are agreed in parliament, these changes will become law in the near future. You can read more detail about the changes here.
Health Academy position statement on government plans:
“Health Academy understands the need to expand the workforce that is available to immunise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to safely expand the workforce whilst maintaining clinical standards, Health Academy supports the principle that all new immunisers should undertake a ‘Foundation in Immunisation‘ course in line with the National Minimum Standards for Immunisation Training. Ideally have the opportunity to undertake supervised practice and have relevant training in emergency procedures including Basic Life Support & Anaphylaxis.”
Over the coming weeks, Health Academy will be releasing a series on ‘understanding immunisation standards’ in your practice area. First in the series will be released on Wednesday.
