Reported announcement on compulsory flu and Covid vaccinations for healthcare workers delayed

The government in England today declined to confirm when they will bring in compulsory flu and Covid vaccinations for healthcare workers.

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Speaking in the House of Commons today, vaccines minister Maggie Throup MP was asked about plans. She declined to comment saying that an announcement will be made in due course.

The government is widely reported to be planning to impose legislation requiring some or all healthcare workers to be vaccinated. The CSP, other health unions, other professional bodies and the HCPC have all opposed mandatory vaccination. A major concern is that reliance on vaccination creates a false sense of security. PPE and infection control measures remain essential to prevent Covid spread in health and care settings. 

Commenting, director of policy Rob Yeldham said “I would encourage any CSP member who is eligible for vaccination, but who has not yet been vaccinated, to use the national booking service and get vaccinated. It is safe and protects you from serious illness.”

“Whilst recommending vaccination the CSP doesn’t support mandatory vaccination. We submitted our views to the government consultation explain our concerns about safety, trust in public health and equity. But it is clear that ministers have not listened to evidence or advice.

"They seem determined to make vaccinations compulsory in England. We would urge ministers to be clear about their plans but to delay changes until after the winter pressures. This would allow services to cope without losing staff now, and would give staff time to make changes.”

The CSP will offer advice on what this means for individuals, services and business once the details of the government’s plans are made available. In the meantime rules requiring care home owners to ensure physios, physio support workers, and physio students on placements going into their premises are vaccinated are already coming into force.  

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