Thank you for contacting me about compulsory vaccines for health workers.
Vaccination is the single strongest protection against Covid-19. In light of the Omicron variant and the persistent level of Covid-19 in the population, it is right that the Government acts decisively to bolster our defences and protect the vulnerable. Whether in care homes or in hospitals, the first duty of everyone working in health and social care is to avoid preventable harm to those they care for.
Ensuring the maximum number of staff are vaccinated will mean the most vulnerable patients gain the greatest possible levels of protection against Covid-19. This policy applies to all healthcare providers, both public and private, and covers a broad range of services including those provided by hospitals, GP and dental practices and regulated domiciliary care services.
Those that are most vulnerable to infection are also more likely to use health and care services more often. SAGE has said that infections acquired in hospitals (nosocomial infections) are likely to be an even greater risk as a result of Omicron and that measures would be needed to reduce the risk of healthcare workers becoming infected and infecting others.
I recognise that some may be concerned about the pressures on the NHS workforce this winter and the impact the policy may have on retention in the NHS. I know that this is something ministers have considered carefully and action is being taken to mitigate these risks, including a grace period and an enforcement date of 1st April 2022.
Knowing what we do from the experience of the pandemic, it is right that the Government is taking this approach. There is longstanding precedent for vaccination in NHS roles, with policies in place to ensure those undertaking exposure-prone procedures, such as surgery, are vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.