Covid Jabs at pharmacies

Summary

The requester asked about discussions regarding private COVID-19 vaccinations at Isle of Man pharmacies and when such services would be available. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that they do not hold records of specific inquiries on this topic, though they noted discussions have occurred regarding GP-led vaccination programs.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold records of specific discussions or inquiries about local pharmacies providing paid COVID-19 jabs.
• Discussions have been held regarding the delivery of COVID vaccination programs by GPs alongside existing programs like Flu and Shingles.
• The request was refused under Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as a practical refusal reason.
• The response was issued by Chief Officer Paul Richardson on 12 July 2024.
• The requester has the right to an internal review or to appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.

Data Disclosed

• 2024-07-01
• 2024-07-12
• 3948989
• Section 11(3)a
• Section 15

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held)

Original Request

The UK has allowed pharmacies to give COVID jabs to citizens at a cost who are not currently included in the age bands to receive them for free. What discussion or inquiries have been made as to whether our local pharmacies are prepared to provide this service. When will be allowed to get these jabs ?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Chief Officer: Paul Richardson Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Circular Road Douglas IM1 1AE

Our ref: 3948989 12 July 2024

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 1 July 2024, which states:

"The UK has allowed pharmacies to give COVID jabs to citizens at a cost who are not currently included in the age bands to receive them for free. What discussion or inquiries have been made as to whether our local pharmacies are prepared to provide this service. When will be allowed to get these jabs ?"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department) is unable to provide the information that you have requested. This is in line with Section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Duty to provide advice and assistance), the Department does not hold a record of these specific discussions being held. However a discussion has been held around the topic of considering the delivery of COVID vaccination programmes by GPs alongside existing vaccination programmes (i.e. Flu, Shingles, Pneumococcal).

Please quote the reference number 3948989 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.