Hospice staff will be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination

We look forward to working with the Government and NHS to make sure that the vaccine roll out is a success.

Tracey Bleakley, CEO of Hospice UK

The UK Government Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation confirmed yesterday that hospice staff would be among those prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Hospice UK CEO Tracey Bleakley says: "We welcome the Government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) confirmation that all hospice staff will be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination following news that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been judged safe for use in the UK from next week.

"Front line staff working in charitable hospices have been vital to the UK's COVID-19 response, working closely with the NHS to ensure that people have continued to get the palliative and end of life care support that they need, and helping to reduce pressure on the NHS.

"With most hospice care happening in people’s own homes, expert staff have continued to provide face-to-face clinical and palliative care and support for people and their families at home throughout the pandemic, supporting people with vital care at their most vulnerable.

"We look forward to working with the Government and NHS to make sure that the vaccine roll out is a success."