Laura Sharman 17 June 2021

COVID vaccines to be mandatory for care home staff

COVID vaccines to be mandatory for care home staff image

The Government has confirmed everyone working in a CQC-registered care homes in England will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The new legislation means that from October, all staff working in a care home for residents requiring nursing or personal care must have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical exemption.

The new law will also cover people going into care homes for other work such as hairdressers and tradespeople.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: 'Having a high level of protection in care homes will reduce the risk to this very vulnerable population.

'Evidence shows that two doses of the vaccine offers high levels of protection against hospitalisation from COVID-19. We also know that getting both doses of your jab reduces your risk of unknowingly passing the virus on to others.'

However, there has been concern that the move will cause people to leave the sector.

'The Government's sledgehammer approach now runs the risk that some care staff may simply walk away from an already understaffed, undervalued and underpaid sector,' warned UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea.

The Government will also consult later this year on extending the rule to cover other health and social care settings.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'Any targeting of mandatory vaccination should be proportionate and appropriate to specific areas where take-up rates remain lower. It is only right that care workers are treated the same as their NHS counterparts and we are pleased that government has listened to our feedback about extending this to the health workforce, as any suggestion of being singled out could have adverse consequences for recruitment and retention of the care workforce.

'We will respond to the new consultation once it is published.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner