Covid-19 Vaccine for Care Home Workers
Overview
In July 2021, the Government announced that it will be mandatory for all care home workers, and anyone entering a care home in respect of trade, to have received both COVID-19 vaccines.
This is unless they are exempt under the regulations. Friends and families of residents will not need to have received both vaccines.
The regulations are set to come into effect from 11 November 2021 which means that the last date for care home workers to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is 16 September 2021.
The regulations
The regulations require all CQC-registered service providers of either nursing or personal care in a care home to ensure that only those fully vaccinated, unless exempt, are able to enter the building.
If someone is entering the home in an emergency (acts of god or safeguard concerns) no proof of vaccination/exemption will be required.
Exemptions
The Government will announce further details about the exemptions in due course.
The exemptions are likely to include individuals who have had allergic reactions to either their first COVID-19 vaccine or a component of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Considerations
Employers will have to consider the following implications of the above regulations:Employers will have to consider the following implications of the above regulations:
- To make sure that policies and procedures are fully complied with
- How to respond to any employees who refuse to take the vaccine
- Ensuring the employees are honest when they say they have had the vaccine
We would encourage all employers to take advice on the above issues prior to taking any action to ensure they are fully protected.
CQC
The CQC have released a statement which states that they will require all care homes to show that they have put processes in place to monitor the vaccine status of staff, the status of any other personnel entering the home (where required) and to ensure the staff maintain an up to date vaccine status.
The CQC will continue to monitor and inspect providers to ensure they are compliant with the regulations and the standard enforcement procedures will apply.
Further information
Further information can be found here: