Responding to the approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:
“The news of the approval of this COVID-19 vaccine will come as a relief to many people in the UK.
“Nursing staff, who have huge experience in vaccination programmes, will be asked to play a key role in the vaccine roll-out.
“They already administer the majority of vaccines in the UK and will be fundamental in its safe and effective delivery, including the training and supervision of support staff.
“This will be a huge logistical operation and will require the services of those from across health services and beyond to make it work.
“As the plans for the roll-out are developed, nursing staff will continue to work with colleagues to ensure it can be safely delivered.
“It is essential these plans include details on maintaining day- to-day heath and care services for all those that need them."
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