I propose to take Questions Nos. 748 and 868 together.
Among the healthcare workers that will administer vaccinations under National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Strategy and Implementation plans, only GPs and pharmacists are private practitioners, and as such require the setting of fees payable for the administration of vaccines against Covid-19. Where fees are paid to GPs, these are intended to include the full costs of scheduling and administering the vaccine and must cover not only GP pay, but also the additional payments to practice nurses and practice administrators who will be involved in providing vaccinations outside of normal clinic hours, as well as the additional costs of cleaning surgeries.
GPs and pharmacists are being asked to provide a proactive vaccination service which will require dedicated vaccination clinics while also maintaining regular services. They are also being asked to undertake administrative functions with regard to patient identification and consent. As with other types of vaccinations, the fees reflect the amount of time required, administrative complexity, and the level of post-vaccination care likely required. Furthermore, the fees have been agreed in consideration that GPs will be providing this service to both private and public patients without charge.