Pharmacists will be able to administer an unlicensed COVID-19 vaccination when one is ready.

Following revisions to the Human Medicine Regulations that come into force on 16 October 2020, pharmacists will be able to administer an unlicensed COVID-19 vaccination when one is ready.

The alterations obey a government consultation on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by a more comprehensive workforce, likely including pharmacy technicians.

In its consultation response, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) highlighted that national guidelines for determining who should administer any COVID-19 vaccine would be developed in each of the four UK countries.

Furthermore, any registered healthcare professional would be allowed to administer a COVID-19 vaccine under the government’s original proposals.

The response stated: “For example, one UK nation might want to train student nurses and doctors to administer COVID-19 vaccines or flu vaccines, whereas another UK nation may not choose that route. The proposals allow each administration a clear and supportive legal framework to select their preferred deployment option.”

Health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, stated: “These legal changes will help us in doing everything we can to make sure we are ready to roll out a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it has passed clinical trials and undergone rigorous checks by the regulator.”