05 November 2021

Compulsory vaccinations for NHS staff move a step closer - 5 November

The Times reports that Sajid Javid, the health secretary, is leaning toward 'compulsory vaccination' for healthcare workers in England from April 2022 and plans to make an announcement soon.

 
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, has warned the government not to rush its plan but to consider the introduction of mandatory vaccination carefully. He highlighted two main risks:

1. Avoiding cross infection by unvaccinated NHS staff - a survey of trust leaders by NHS Providers indicates a small majority would back mandatory staff vaccination
2. Losing unvaccinated frontline staff when the service "is already under huge pressure and carrying 93,000 vacancies".

FODO shares the College of Optometrists' view that "vaccine uptake will be maximised where optometrists and practice staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations without enforcing a mandatory scheme". See the College's full view.