 This message provides important information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination programme for all staff working in adults and children’s social care.
As the COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to expand across Sussex the NHS are working to ensure that every member of our health and social care workforce has the opportunity to be vaccinated as quickly as possible.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that health and social care staff are among the first people to be offered the vaccine in order to prevent death and protect health and social care staff and systems.
With more locations and vaccines available, the NHS are now able to invite all health and social care workers to book a vaccination at one of the six hospital-based vaccination sites across Sussex.
This means anyone working in our Adults and Health Service and Children’s, Young People and Learning Service who work in social care can now receive a vaccination. We particularly encourage those staff with direct customer/children and families contact to take up the offer of a vaccination at the earliest opportunity.
Please note: as this is being run by the NHS we are unable to answer any specific queries around who is eligible to receive the vaccination.
First dose vaccination appointments are available for all paid, employed (including agency) health and social care staff working in Sussex.
You must present photographic staff ID when attending along with confirmation of the appointment, which will be provided when you book.
If you do not have photographic staff ID, please bring alternative photo ID, for example, passport, photo-card driving licence, or a national ID card, together with a payslip or letter of authorisation from your manager. Please find a link to a template letter that your manager can use if required.
You must have a booked appointment as you will not be vaccinated without an appointment.
For full details and how to book please visit www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/workforcevax
What further information is available?
There is limited information we can provide to you directly on the vaccination programme as this is run by the NHS and remains at early stages.
The government have produced a useful guide for social care workers which you may find useful to look ahead of being offered your vaccination:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-social-care-staff
More general information is also available on the local NHS website.
Do I need to continue following infection control guidelines after my vaccine?
Yes. Two doses of the vaccine will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. No vaccine is completely effective, and it will take a few weeks for your body to build up protection.
You will, therefore, still need to follow the guidance in your workplace, including wearing the correct personal protection equipment and taking part in any screening programs.
Please continue to keep West Sussex safe and protect yourself, your residents, your family, friends and colleagues by following the general advice at work, at home and when you are out and about:
- practice social distancing;
- wear a face covering;
- wash your hands carefully and frequently; and
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and immediately self-isolate for at least ten days from when your symptoms started.
This is a really big step forward to protect and ensure our priority social care staff, who are most at risk of COVID-19, are offered the vaccine.
We will continue to update you on any new developments or updates about the vaccination programme.
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