All pharmacies should be used as part of the Covid-19 vaccine programme. · petition

What the petition asks

All pharmacies should be used as part of the vaccine programme as they are trusted, have the expertise and are local to every community. JPIMedia's 'Shot In The Arm' campaign calls for everyone to have the ability to get a jab within 10 minutes of their home by using our great pharmacy network.

Thousands of readers have expressed concern over vaccine arrangements. Local pharmacies are highly trusted by their communities – and are convenient to access. Where they do not all have the staff and facilities to provide the jab, the Government should urgently provide this support.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

Pharmacists are already able to apply to be Covid-19 Vaccinators. As with all vaccinators, pharmacists would need to meet certain requirements in order to become vaccintors. You can find out more about how to support the Covid-19 vaccination programme here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/join-the-nhs-covid-19-vaccine-team/#i-dont-currently-work-in-the-nhs-but-would-be-interested-in-a-paid-role

The Government's UK COVID-19 vaccines delivery plan also sets out how pharmacies and pharmacists will support the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/951284/UK_COVID-19_vaccines_delivery_plan.pdf

The training recommendations for Covid-19 vaccinators are set by Public Health England, and the application process for joining the NHS Covid-19 vaccinaton team is managed by the NHS. Both Public Health England and the NHS are operationally independent of the Government, and decisions about this guidance and recruitment are matters for them, not the Government or House of Commons.

Timeline

12 Jan 2021	Petition opened for signatures
13 Jan 2021	Rejected by the Petitions Committee