NHS Covid-19 vaccinations will be offered to 'frontline health and social care staff', including pharmacists and staff and volunteers working on the Covid-19 vaccination service, the government has confirmed.

And patients aged over 65, care home residents and patients who are pregnant or in a clinical at-risk group will be eligible for the autumn booster, the government confirmed this week.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed to The Pharmacist today that its vaccination offer would extend to primary and community healthcare staff involved in direct patient care.

This is defined in the Green Book as 'staff who have frequent face-to-face clinical contact with patients and who are directly involved in patient care in either secondary or primary care/community settings', including pharmacists, 'those working in independent, voluntary and non-standard healthcare settings', including hospices and care homes, and 'staff working on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, temporary staff, students, trainees and volunteers who are working with patients'.

The offer also extends to staff, including non-clinical staff, in secondary or primary care/community healthcare settings 'who may have social contact with patients but are not directly involved in patient care', including 'receptionists, ward clerks, porters and cleaners'.

In terms of patients, 'all those aged 65 or over, all those in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months or over who are in a clinical risk group will be eligible for vaccination this autumn', the government said earlier this week.

But the NHS vaccination will not be offered to unpaid carers and household contacts of people with immunosuppression.

Dr Nick Thayer, head of policy at the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) welcomed the clarification of the eligibility criteria, adding: 'Pharmacy teams are vital members of the healthcare workforce. It is good news that as frontline healthcare workers, pharmacy teams will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations.'

'Covid-19 vaccines are increasingly becoming a core and routine part of community pharmacy’s contribution to prevention, alongside flu vaccines.

'The CCA believes that community pharmacy could, in time, become the natural home for all adult vaccinations. Pharmacies offer convenience and accessibility and have been integral in building vaccine confidence and reaching underserved communities,' he added.

Professor Claire Anderson, RPS President noted that pharmacy teams 'have a crucial role in the success of Covid-19 vaccinations'.

'It is vital they get the support they need to maximise vaccine uptake in their local communities and help ensure those vulnerable can benefit from these life-saving treatments.'

And she welcomed the Government’s decision to include pharmacy staff in the 2024 autumn vaccination programme 'as this recognises their vital role in healthcare and ensures their protection whilst administering the vaccine'.

Jay Badenhorst, head of pharmacy at the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA), noted that vaccination against Covid-19 'remains our most effective tool in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death'.

'It's not just about personal safety but also about protecting our communities,' he said.

And he added that including patient-facing pharmacy staff in the NHS vaccination offer was 'a vital step in ensuring their safety and the continued provision of essential services to the public'.

'Employers also have a duty to ensure that their workers are protected from the virus, which includes implementing appropriate health and safety measures in the workplace. In addition to preventive measures, employers must have clear policies to support employees who contract Covid-19 and may need to take time off work to recover. This includes providing adequate sick leave and ensuring workers feel supported during their illness and recovery,' he added.

And he said that employers that recognised the PDA trade union could discuss with union representatives how their business plan regarding Covid-19 could 'factor in the experience and views of their pharmacists'.

'By prioritising the health and well-being of their employees, employers not only fulfil their legal obligations but also contribute to the overall effort to manage and reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities,' Mr Badenhorst said.