19 November 2021

Covid vaccines for healthcare workers in England - 19 November

In last week's update we said we would update members on the scope of mandatory vaccinations as soon as possible. The Department of Health and Social Care has now confirmed mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers will only apply to people working for CQC regulated providers in England. This includes hospital optometrists and ophthalmologists.
 
Although mandatory vaccination requirements will not apply to most primary eye care settings, FODO still encourages members to support all practice teams to take advantage of Covid-19 vaccines.
 
Encouragement is best achieved by following College of Optometrists' advice, which states: "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."