Patients to travel off the island for hospital treatment are being prioritised in the Covid vaccination programme.

They will be able to book a vaccination appointment from Monday, January 25.

Priority daily vaccination slots will be made available for this purpose.

The vaccines will be done, if possible, before they go to the UK.

But people who accompany them off the island will not be offered the vaccination.

Confirmation of suitability for the vaccine is required by the relevant medical professional directly involved in the patient’s care.

This will either be a UK consultant or their GP.

The patient needs to obtain this confirmation and send to the patient transfer office,

The patient transfer team will collate the information with the 111 team contacting the patient to book for the vaccine.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’I am pleased that those vulnerable patients, who need to travel to the UK, as part of their treatment process will begin to receive the vaccine. It is a significant step in protecting these individuals.’

Due to current Level 5 border restrictions all returning patients are required to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days and adhere to the new testing regime.