To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 24280/17-22, to detail (i) the process by which frontline health and social care workers, not directly employed by a Health and Social Care Trust, will be offered a booster vaccination via a community pharmacy; and (ii) how these employees’ working hours will be accommodated regarding the scheduling of their vaccination appointments.

My Department has written to the relevant employing organisations and bodies advising that their frontline staff are eligible for booster vaccination. Once these staff have been identified by their employer, they can attend at one of the 225 participating community pharmacies to receive their booster dose, subject to having received their second primary dose at least six months previously.

The relevant employing organisations and bodies will provide written confirmation of eligibility as a frontline health and social care worker to their staff as proof of status as a frontline health and social care worker.

Accommodating staff appointments will be a matter for the employing body.