COVID-19 vaccination consent (FOI)

Request 

In FOI COVID-19 vaccinations FOI (gov.je) you state under response C

"The seeking and giving of consent is a process, rather than a one-off event. There are established informed consent avenues in place:

Prior to vaccination, the vaccinator will engage in a discussion regarding the risks and benefits of vaccination and gauge the individual's level of understanding (further explanations may be required until a satisfactory understanding is achieved). If necessary, further discussion with the doctor in the vaccination centre is organised either before the vaccination appointment or during the appointment.

For an individual to be able to make 'informed' consent, evidence-based information is readily available in multiple formats to islanders. For further information available please see: 

* Vaccine information for COVID-19 (gov.je)" 

A

What are the detailed avenues (plural) of informed consent at the vaccination centre? 

B

Of the <250,000 vaccinations handed out within Jersey since December 2020 how many of those seemed to be understanding of risks / benefits vs how many of those required further discussions?

C

With each of the <250,000 vaccinations, is each person asked if they have read through the link* provided above or is it assumed that the knowledge being available prior to vaccination has been sourced and read (understood)? 

D

For each of the <250,000 vaccinations is it logged that each person has granted consent to the treatment? 

E

If the consent is recorded, how is it recorded; ie signed waver from patient, video consent of stating consent, audio recording stating consent? 

Response

A

The process of seeking and giving consent depends on the way an individual presents for COVID vaccination and is multi-faceted (e.g. booking through the booking portal, walk-ins, mobile units, home visits etc.). Each of these avenues requires consent points at different stages and progress to the next stage can only occur when consent is given.

The first-time consent would typically be requested would be when booking a vaccination appointment via the booking portal. During the booking stage, the individual will be asked for consent on different occasions, where they confirm they are eligible for the vaccine. When arriving at the check in area at the vaccination centre (which demonstrates consent), the individual is asked again for consent by presenting ID, confirming who they are, why they are attending the centre and by giving information about any previous COVID vaccinations. The check-in staff will then provide the individual with the manufacturer's vaccine information leaflets and personalised vaccination proforma and move to the next stage with the vaccinator. Prior to the vaccinator engaging in a discussion about the risks and benefits of vaccination, the vaccinator will ask the individual once again to confirm who they are, the vaccination they are attending for and whether they have had any previous COVID vaccinations.

B

An individual will only be vaccinated when a satisfactory level of understanding is achieved. Individuals can change their mind or withdraw consent at any point before the vaccine is administered.

C

For an individual to be able to make 'informed' consent, evidence-based information is readily available in multiple formats to islanders. This is not limited to the COVID vaccination website-based information, it also includes island-wide leaflet drops, COVID helpline, manufacturer vaccine information leaflets, social media video messages and verbal discussions between the individual attending for vaccination and vaccinator regarding risks and benefits.

D

The informed consent process at our vaccination centre is consistent with consent processes in the UK. The Department of Health guidelines state consent may be expressed verbally or non-verbally. This approach is utilised for many elements of medicine. The person must have understood what examination or treatment is intended, and why, for such consent to be valid. The UK Health Safety Agency state in the Green Book that there is no requirement for consent to immunisation to be in writing.

E

Please see response to question D.