Reports suggest vaccines could be mandatory for NHS staff from April 2022
Reports suggest that Covid-19 vaccines could be mandatory for all NHS staff from April 2022.
Recent reports indicate that the health secretary, Sajid Javid, is considering making vaccination mandatory for NHS workers in the spring as part of a bid to encourage those who haven’t yet been vaccinated to have the jab. Statistics show that approximately 90% of NHS staff in England have had at least two doses, but in some trust areas, the figure is below 80%.
At present, vaccines are not mandatory for NHS staff but ministers are exploring the possibility of introducing compulsory vaccination as part of a wider effort to boost uptake rates. From November 11th, care home staff must be vaccinated in England unless they are medically exempt.
Although there is support for increasing uptake among caregivers, some experts have warned that introducing mandatory vaccination for care home staff in November will exacerbate existing shortages, increasing pressure on providers.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, advised the government to wait until after the winter to introduce the policy, with care homes already under pressure. Mr Hopson encouraged ministers to try to focus on increasing voluntary uptake rates by providing clear information about the risks and benefits of the vaccine programme.
A recent survey carried out by NHS Providers revealed that 58% of respondents support mandatory vaccination, with 32% of people opposing the measures. A further 10% said they were unsure.
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