COVID-19 vaccination: your questions and concerns answered
The reasons behind vaccine hesitancy can be complex and longstanding, which is why huge effort has been put into providing as much information, reassurance and independent advice as possible.
For example, we’ve myth-busted concerns around the vaccines’ alleged negative effects on pregnancy and fertility and explained why natural immunity on its own is not enough to provide full protection.
We’ve also reached out to ethnic communities with personal testimony from vaccinated care staff and our NHS and care sector colleague have created resources and videos to share information and messages of reassurance as widely as possible.
VCOD has, of course thrown up additional queries, which we have answered in numerous webinars and Q&A resources.
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Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for frontline care and health staff: new consultation launched
The Government is seeking views on plans for staff in health and care settings in England to be required to have COVID-19 and flu vaccines to protect vulnerable people.
A six-week consultation has launched, looking at whether requirements should apply for health and care workers (not just those working in care homes), those in contact with patients, and people receiving care.
It would mean only those who are fully vaccinated, unless medically exempt, could be deployed to deliver health and care services. The consultation will also seek views on whether flu vaccines should be a requirement for health and care workers.
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Social Care Day of Remembrance and Reflection
The past year has been a difficult time for the entire adult social care workforce, which is why a Social Care Day of Remembrance and Reflection has been launched, hosted by The Care Workers' Charity and fully endorsed by our Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy in this heartfelt post for the DHSC Social Care blog. The day, announced during this year's Professional Care Workers' Week, will take place in March 2022.
Meanwhile, care colleagues can make use of a life assurance scheme for frontline NHS and social care staff who contract coronavirus during the course of their work. It is non-contributory and covers staff who provide care for people who have contracted coronavirus or who work in health or social care settings where the virus is present.
Details of how to claim can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority website.
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Flu immunisation for social care staff:
PHE release new guidance materials
Flu vaccination for social care staff directly working with people clinically vulnerable to flu is strongly encouraged. Public Health England (PHE) have developed this guidance to support staff to ensure there is high uptake of the flu vaccine this season.
Those eligible for a flu vaccination include all social care workers and social care workers working with children who are clinically vulnerable to flu.
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This communication has been sent by the Care Quality Commission on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.
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