Government and trade bodies in talks to boost the COVID-19 vaccination programme

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has stated that to boost community pharmacy involvement in the COVID-19 vaccination effort significantly, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have agreed to work with trade bodies.

In Wales and Scotland, however, community pharmacies are required to enter into local arrangements with their health boards to administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

Policy and development pharmacist, Community Pharmacy Scotland, Adam Osprey, stated: “Community pharmacies are an ideal location from which to deliver public health initiatives. We are clear though that any involvement in the vaccination effort should not impact on the ability of our members to deliver their core services.”