Jabs for ambulance and fire crew ahead of police

In recent weeks there have been calls from the public for essential workers who deal with the public, such as teachers, shop workers and police officers, to be moved up the list for vaccination.

However, Guernsey is following Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation guidance.

This details which groups get the vaccine in what order and focuses on frontline healthcare staff and older people first.

This is due to older people being at higher risk of hospitalisation or death from Covid, when compared with younger people.

Paramedics are classed as frontline healthcare workers.

However, questions have been raised about why firefighters could be vaccinated ahead of police officers.

‘Data around occupation has been considered by JCVI and it was found that health and social care workers had a significantly increased risk than those working in other industries,’ a States of Guernsey spokesperson said.

‘Other occupations are being considered as part of phase two of the vaccination programme, including all blue light services on a basis of who has the closest contact with sick individuals. Please note the fire service often join ambulance personnel as co-responders to medical emergencies.’

To acquire the vaccines, which are supplied from the UK, Guernsey’s Health & Social Care had to agree to administer vaccines in line with the JCVI rules on prioritisation.

This has left police officers outside phase one of the vaccine process.

But they may not have to wait too long.

This week a JCVI member confirmed talks about phase two – which will involve people aged under 50 – are under way and it was hoped detail about this will be published later this month or in early March.

Phase two also aims to reduce hospitalisation and focus on those with increased risk of exposure to Covid-19 through their work.

This is likely to include police officers, teachers, transport workers and those working in the justice system.