Police denied early vaccine

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Police were among the groups to apply for an early covid-19 vaccination, but were denied.

The Force's rejected application was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman during yesterday's States Assembly meeting, with the Minister confirming that Police will be treated the same as everyone else.

"A panel was formed to consider any deviation from the original advice, and the States of Jersey Police did apply for being placed in priority in phase 2 of the vaccination programme, but that was declined, and that has been accepted by the States of Jersey Police," he explained.

He added that “they will now form part of the age definitions as they come to pass.” 

The Vaccination Priority Panel was established back in February, with the aim of considering written requests from healthcare staff, professional bodies, and States Members writing on behalf of groups of islanders to be given priority.

It is chaired by Medical Director Dr Paul Hughes, and includes the island’s Chief Pharmacist, Paul McCabe; the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat; the Associate Medical Director for Primary Care Governance, Dr Adrian Noon; and Citizen's Advice CEO Malcom Ferey. 

Pictured: The vaccination schedule is currently beginning Phase 2, with islanders under-50 being able to receive vaccines from next month.

Jersey’s covid vaccination plan was created following the priorities set out by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the panel’s work is to consider where exceptions to these rules should be made. 

At the time of the panel’s launch, Dr Paul Hughes explained that the panel would “into account a range of factors when considering exceptions to the JCVI’s priority list. 

“It will seek a clear rationale for diverging from the JCVI priorities, based on risk of transmission and the fairness of providing advance vaccination to some people.”

A spokesperson for States of Jersey Police said: "The Vaccinations Panel kindly wrote to the Chief of Police advising him of their decision in response to his earlier request.

"SOJP want to recognise the enormous efforts of the vaccination programme and acknowledge staff will be vaccinated shortly."

Express has asked the Government how many applications have been made to the Vaccine Panel and how many approved, and is awaiting a reply.