GPhC responds to UK Government announcement on vaccinations for health and care staff

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council, has responded to the Government announcement that it will consult on removing vaccination as a condition of deployment for health and social care staff.

“Since COVID-19 vaccinations became available, we have strongly reminded all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that they should get COVID-19 vaccinations at the earliest opportunity, unless they are medically exempt, and asked them to encourage other members of their team to get vaccinated as well. We reiterate these reminders.

“Getting vaccinated protects the individual, their family, and colleagues, as well as patients and the public.

“Following the UK government’s decision not to proceed with requiring vaccination as a condition of deployment for health and care staff providing CQC-regulated activities in England, the GPhC will continue to underline the case for taking up COVID-19 vaccination in all pharmacy settings.

“It is important that there is a consistent approach for health professionals across the UK, and so we will work closely with the other health professional regulators, governments, pharmacy professional bodies and employers as we take this forward.”