Talks over mandatory virus jabs for health staff
The Government has launched a consultation on plans to make Covid-19 and flu vaccinations mandarory for health and care staff.
The six-week process will seek views on whether vaccine requirements should apply to all those in contact with patients and people receiving care – meaning only those who are fully vaccinated, unless medically exempt, could be deployed to deliver health and care services.
The Government previously said all staff in registered care homes in England must be vaccinated against Covid-19 from November 11, unless medically exempt.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) social care working group has already advised that the overlap between the sectors makes a strong scientific case for there to be similar approaches to vaccination.
Health Sec re tarySaji dJ avid said: "Many patients being treated in hospitals and other clinical settings are most at risk of suffering serious consequences of Covid-19, and we must do what we can to protect them.It's so clear to see the impact vaccines have against respiratory viruses which can be fatal to the vulnerable, and that's why we're exploring mandatory vaccines for both Covid-19 and flu.
UNI SON regional secretary Clare Williams said: “The key to convincing hesitant staff is persuasion, not force. Pushing NHS staff to get vaccinated will create resentment, destroy already fragile morale and reducetake-up. Of course, everyone who can should be jabbed, but as with care, compulsion is not the way.”
Dr Penelope Toff, co-chair of the BMA public health medicine committee, said: "A proposal for compulsory vaccination against Covid-19 has far-reaching implications.”