DDA advisor and life peer Baroness McIntosh of Pickering has asked the Department of Health about its assessment of the future importance of dispensing practices in administering COVID-19 vaccinations in rural areas with poor transport links and connectivity.

Health minister Lord Bethell answered: “The National Health Service has a tried and tested track record for delivering vaccination programmes and will work with existing partners across the healthcare system, including general practices, to ensure a COVID-19 vaccine can be deployed safely and effectively.

“Detailed planning is underway building on the NHS’s expertise to deliver immunisation programmes, such as the flu vaccination programme. Planning considerations, includes the supporting infrastructure required, including warehousing, transport, logistics for transport across the nation and end-destination ‘clinic’ storage.”