As a Nursing Associate, when administering scheduled childhood immunisations, can I administer under a PGD, or do I stay under a PSD?”
Nursing Associates (NAs) play an important role in vaccination delivery within primary care, but their scope of practice is governed by national legislation and professional frameworks. Under current UK immunisation governance, Nursing Associates cannot administer vaccines under a Patient Group Direction (PGD). PGDs are legally restricted to registered healthcare professionals such as RNs, pharmacists, paramedics and certain other regulated roles.
For NAs, a Patient Specific Direction (PSD) must be in place for every immunisation they administer. A PSD is a written instruction from a registered prescriber (GP, independent nurse prescriber, or other authorised clinician) for a named patient, specifying the vaccine, dose, route and timing. This ensures safe delegation, clear accountability and compliance with UKHSA, NHSE and professional regulatory standards.
In summary: Nursing Associates cannot work under PGDs. They must administer childhood immunisations under a PSD only.
This distinction is essential for safe practice, legal compliance, and correct governance within general practice, PCNs and immunisation teams.
