The UK Government published its COVID-19 Vaccines Delivery Plan on Monday 11th January.
The plan takes on board the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). It confirms that healthcare workers – including HCPC registrants - are one of the four priority groups, and that by the 15th February the aim is to have offered a first vaccine dose to everyone in those four priority groups.
In light of the new plan, HCPC’s FAQs on vaccines have now been updated: Vaccinations: what you need to know.
HCPC will continue to update this, as and when more information is received. The Delivery Plan highlights that the UK Government is considering the use of a wider group of healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, paramedics, physiotherapists and radiographers to deliver the vaccine. In our discussions with NHS bodies across the four nations, HCPC have championed the role of registrants in successfully delivering the vaccine as quickly and safely as possible.
John Barwick, Chief Executive and Registrar comments: “We welcome the news that all our registrants, including those in private practice, are in the priority group for the vaccine roll-out. Our registrants continue to play a key role in the COVID-19 response, providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable in society. In order to continue to do their jobs, safely and effectively, it is essential that they receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.
“We were also pleased to see that the UK Government is considering how our registrants can be involved in helping to roll out the vaccine in both hospitals and primary care settings. This could enable the vaccine to reach priority groups more quickly, helping the UK Government to reach its 15th February target.”
John Barwick adds: “While the Delivery Plan brings welcomed clarification on the role of HCPC registrants, there is still a need for some further clarity on how registrants will receive the vaccine and we have received a significant number of queries from our registrants on this issue. We will continue to engage closely with public health bodies across the UK, to seek further guidance and will update our FAQs, as and when we get additional information.”
