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SoR members administering covid-19 vaccines

07/01/2021

Many members are likely to be asked to participate in the Covid 19 roll-out and be trained to give vaccine injections.

The Society of Radiographers is supportive of radiographers playing their part to get the vaccine rolled out to as many people as possible in as short a time as possible.

Some members have expressed concern as to whether this work is appropriate for radiographers. Many radiographers are trained to inject a variety of drugs and contrast agents. Being trained to give a vaccine is no different.

As with any other new practice you must be properly trained and recognised by your employer to be competent. The employer’s consent is implicit in you being asked to carry out the injection.

All employees are covered for ‘vicarious liability’ in the event of a mishap. As long as you carry out the injection as you have been trained to do then this liability insurance applies.

  • I want to help administer the vaccine, is that okay?

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    The information below is current as of January 13 2021. You should follow the information links and check for updates to make sure things have not changed.

    The health departments manage the vaccination programmes in each country, you should check with the relevant government programme for any specific updates on administration roles.

    • https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/join-the-nhs-covid-19-vaccine-team/
    • https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/covid-19-volunteer-vaccination-programme/
    • https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/northern-ireland-covid-19-vaccination-programme
    • https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/workforce-educational-resources/#title-container
  • How do I know if I am legally entitled to administer the vaccine?

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    It is essential you check that you are legally entitled to administer the vaccine before undertaking this work. Different rules apply to registered radiographers and non-registered staff:

    • SPS: Using appropriate legal mechanisms for the administration of COVID-19 vaccine

    The employer should tell you which legal mechanism they are using and whether you fit their criteria.

  • Will I be moved to a vaccine administration role?

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    Employers may ask radiographers and associated staff to remain in their roles on the front line delivering essential care rather than move to vaccine administration roles. You may be able to seek a role in your own time either as a volunteer or in a bank/paid position.

  • How do I know if this is in my scope of practice?

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    The next check is to see if this is within your scope of practice.

    Even if you are legally able to administer a vaccine, this doesn’t guarantee it is within your scope of practice. For radiographers, any registrant administering a vaccine must ensure they have the skills, knowledge and experience to do this safely and effectively. All other staff (Including volunteers, trainees and students) should be confident that they are appropriately educated, trained and assessed as competent to deliver the vaccine.

    HCPC has a regularly updated section of FAQ’s to help you understand the implications: 

    • HCPC Vaccinations: what you need to know
  • What about professional indemnity, am I covered?

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    You will also need to ensure that your professional indemnity arrangement covers you to administer vaccines. Employers provide most indemnity arrangements, so speak to them in the first instance.

    Your SoR professional indemnity insurance will only apply if you are required as part of your substantive role to perform Covid 19 vaccinations.

  • I am a radiographer working in private practice how do I get my Covid 19 vaccination?

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    The British Medical Association's GP Committee England and NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) have agreed an enhanced service (ES), directed by NHSEI, for general practice in England to lead the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme (CVP). 

    Eligible patients will be in line with the latest Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations.

    Similar to the flu groups, they include:

    • All those over the age of 50
    • All those at high risk
    • All care home residents and staff
    • All health and care workers

    All frontline health and social care workers are eligible to receive the vaccine, regardless of what sector and setting they work in. This includes locums and private health and social care workers.

    For further information, please contact your employer or your GP to ensure you are priorised.

  • I’m a student, can I deliver the vaccine?

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    AHP students are not considered part of the workforce to deliver the vaccine; however, you can volunteer in your own time:

    • https://www.hee.nhs.uk/covid-19/allied-health-professions
  • Workforce, Governance and Regulations

    • MHRA website for reporting medicine side-effects and equipment incidents
    • Common employment questions
    • COVID testing for staff
    • Health and Safety Executive: Covid-19 RIDDOR Advice
    • Information governance
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    • Social Partnership Forum pandemic working guidance
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    • SoR members administering covid-19 vaccines
    • The Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI)
  • Infection control and PPE

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    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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    • PPE guidance posters for imaging and oncology teams
    • PPE: Urgent update for members
    • NHS staff urged to have flu vaccine
    • Resuscitation Council UK Statement on PHE PPE Guidance
    • SoR backs call for upgrade in PPE for healthcare staff
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  • Education and students

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    • Breast screening
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  • NHS Scotland

    • Covid special leave arrangements
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    • Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee
    • NHS pauses screening programmes across Scotland
    • NHS Scotland Psychosocial support and wellbeing - Looking after people, yourself, and your staff
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