Following concern expressed by some osteopaths who have applied to become vaccinators that osteopathy is not listed on the Patient Group Directive (PGD), we have been working to clarify the situation.
Firstly, we can confirm that osteopaths can apply, train and work as vaccinators as part of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out programme.
The process by which this will be applied is under the Patient Specific Direction (PSD) where osteopaths are directed by prescribers to administer the vaccine, as detailed in the C0923 issued by NHS England on the legal mechanisms for administration of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Operating under a PSD, there should be no barrier for osteopaths to apply, work and train as vaccinators.
The PGD, is a list of professions that are included in the Medicines’ Act as having prescribing rights. Osteopathy does not have prescription rights under the Medicines Act, and inclusion of a number of other Allied Health Professions within the PGD, pre-date osteopathy’s recognition as an AHP.
We will continue to monitor and advise accordingly should the situation evolve.