Pharmacists could be allowed to administer “any vaccine against an infectious disease caused by a virus or bacteria” in order to “enable community pharmacies to provide wider outreach services and support a wider range of national vaccination programmes”, after a consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care (DH).
The purpose of the consultation was to review the changes made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 during the Covid-19 pandemic, as some regulations are expiring on 1 April 2026.
The pharmacy-related regulations intended to be extended include a regulation that allows an “extended workforce” to administer vaccines and also for vaccines to be able to be given “off the registered premises under a patient group direction”.
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A respondent to the consultation from Wales said “expanded use of community pharmacy delivery during the pandemic was invaluable in increasing vaccination uptake across rural communities.”
Bigger role
Another response said: “We strongly support this proposal which we believe is essential for effective outreach to improve vaccination rates for routine programmes across the life course, as well as Covid-19 and flu.
“The proposal is fully aligned with the 10 Year Health Plan’s shift to community care.”
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The DH added these amendments “will support delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan commitment to “give community pharmacy a bigger role in prevention by expanding their role in vaccine delivery”.
“These amendments will support the ongoing development of a vaccination system that is fit for the future.
“Building on the successes of large-scale vaccination programmes during the Covid-19 pandemic, this legislation will support patient safety, improve access and availability of vaccines, and improve the UK’s position on the world stage for vaccine innovation.”
