The General Pharmaceutical Council has urged pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students and trainees across the UK to get vaccinated against Covid as soon as possible in the wake of the Government’s decision to drop a vaccine mandate for health workers. 

The regulator said people working in pharmacy had a responsibility to get the vaccine in order to “support and maintain public health” as well as protect their families, colleagues, patients and the public.

“This is particularly important with pharmacy professionals continuing to play such a vital role in delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme,” the GPhC said.

It also stressed that Covid vaccines are safe and effective having been passed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency “following a rigorous review.” Concerns that the anti-vaccination movement is targeting pharmacies through intimidation and threats in an attempt to stop them administering vaccines has intensified in recent days.

“As professional and community leaders, pharmacy professionals also demonstrate leadership by encouraging other members of their team, as well as patients and the public, to get vaccinated against Covid-19,” the GPhC said.