Government mandate vaccination for frontline health and care workers

Following a public consultation that closed last month, the Government has announced that COVID-19 vaccination will be compulsory for all those working in the NHS and social care.  Subject to parliamentary approval, the provisions will come into effect from 1 April 2022. 

 There will be exemptions for those who don’t have face-to-face contact with patients and those who are medically exempt.  The requirements will apply across health and the wider social care settings regulated by the Care Quality Commission.  The consultation also considered the introduction of mandatory flu vaccinations, but the Government has decided not to introduce this now. 

 To read the Health Secretary’s statement to Parliament, click here