JERSEY legislation does not allow the Covid vaccine to be provided over the counter as it is in pharmacies in England, Health and Social Services has clarified.
The department was responding to questions about why the vaccine could be purchased on request without a prescription at some larger chemists in England but not in the Island.
Director of Public Health Peter Bradley explained that it was not possible to issue an identical legal dispensation – a patient group direction – in Jersey.
“Our legislation does not allow the creation of PGDs for private services. [They] can only be created to deliver prescription-only medicines with a service delivered or commissioned in some form by government,” he said.
However, he emphasised that the free spring booster vaccination was currently available and offered to Islanders aged 75 and over, and to those aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.
“To stay protected this spring, eligible Islanders are advised to contact their doctor’s surgery to book an appointment.
“The vaccination is only available through prescription or via PGDs. Following the transition of vaccine delivery from Public Health to primary care, current PGDs allow for Covid vaccinations to be administered to eligible Islanders from GP surgeries and from pharmacies to residents in care homes for older adults.
“In addition to the above, a local pharmacy could supply the vaccine if it was prescribed by a GP; however, all groups recommended for vaccination by Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation are already offered free access to the vaccination though the current PGD and service commissioned by government to primary care,” Professor Bradley said.
