Fifth of care home staff refuse vaccine

UP to one in five care home staff have refused a coronavirus vaccine when offered, with suggestions younger workers are more likely to be resistant as they think they are ‘invincible’.

Most staff who have been offered the jab are getting vaccinated but between five and 21 per cent have declined it, data shows.

The Prime Minister has urged everyone to get the jab and care providers have said it is vital that staff and residents get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Public Health England data shows there were 977 suspected outbreaks in care homes reported in the seven days to January 10, 739 of which had at least one linked case that tested positive for coronavirus.

The Government has promised to offer the jab to all residents by January 24 and on Friday Boris Johnson said almost 40 per cent have already been vaccinated.

One large UK care home group, which asked to remain anonymous, said more than half of residents and 37 per cent of staff have had at least one dose as of January 14. However,

21 per cent of staff and nearly 3 per cent of residents offered the vaccine had chosen not to take it up.

Staff refusals at Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare’s 46 care homes is around 8 per cent of those offered and just 1 per cent for residents. Anna Selby, head of the group’s Covid-19 taskforce, said those refusing the vaccine tend to be younger staff and there appears to be a ‘feeling of invincibility’.

It is understood that 5 per cent of staff offered a jab in more than 200 homes run by Barchester Healthcare have refused it.

A spokesman said: ‘It is vital to the safety of our residents and patients that all of our staff, residents and patients should have the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible.’

It comes as the National Care Association is seeking legal advice on whether care workers could be forced to take the jab.

A poll by Focaldata in the Sunday Times revealed only 41 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds say they will ‘definitely’ take the vaccine.

The percentage of people who say they will definitely have the jab increased in line with age. Care England said feedback from its members about take-up rates has been positive overall.