Optical staff in line to receive Covid-19 vaccine

Optical staff could be listed in the second highest priority group in the vaccination programme as frontline health and social care workers.

Following approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, all UK governments have confirmed that they would follow advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

It recommended prioritising those with the greatest clinical need, including those aged over 80 as well as health and social care workers, such as optical staff.

The College of Optometrists said it has been involved in discussions with NHS England and each of the devolved nation’s governments to ensure optometrists, dispensing opticians and practice teams receive access to a vaccine as early as possible.