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Vaccination Consent
National guidance has recently clarified how consent for vaccinations must be obtained and recorded. This is to ensure patients receive clear information and that consent is taken safely and consistently. These changes do not affect your right to choose whether or not to have a vaccine, the safety of vaccines or who is eligible for vaccination.
How consent for vaccination works
Before any vaccination, patients must be given information about:
- What the vaccine is for
- The benefits of vaccination
- Possible side effects and risks
- The option to ask questions or decline
This is called informed consent. You may receive this information in a leaflet, via a link sent by text or email, on our website or through a discussion with a GP, nurse or pharmacist.
Who is reponsible for consent?
Under national guidance:
- A registered healthcare professional (such as a GP, nurse, or pharmacist) is responsible for obtaining and recording informed consent.
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are trained to administer vaccines, but they do not take informed consent.
This means that informed consent is taken or confirmed by a registered clinician. Healthcare Assistants do not make the clinical decision about consent.
What the Healthcare Assistant will do on the day
On the day of your vaccination, the Healthcare Assistant will:
- Check that informed consent has already been obtained
- Confirm that you are still happy to receive the vaccine
- Ask safety questions, such as about allergies, recent illness, or changes in your health
- Check for any new contraindications before giving the vaccine
- Involve a GP or nurse if there are any concerns or uncertainties
If you ask a question that needs a clinical decision, or if there is anything unclear, the HCA will pause the vaccination and involve a registered clinician before proceeding.
If you have had this vaccine before
If you have received the same vaccine in the past, this helps us understand that you may already be familiar with it. However:
- Consent is still checked each time
- Information is updated regularly
- You will always be given the opportunity to ask questions or decline
Questions or concerns
Please contact the practice if you:
- Would like to speak to a GP, nurse, or pharmacist before your appointment
- Have a medical condition, allergy, or are unsure if the vaccine is suitable
- Need more information to help you decide