Under new measures revealed by the Health Secretary on Tuesday, November 9, health and social care workers will need to provide evidence they have been double-vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to be deployed to work.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said on Tuesday: “Vaccines save lives and patient safety is paramount. Many of the people being treated in hospitals or cared for at home are the most vulnerable to Covid-19.
"We have a responsibility to give patients and staff the best possible protection.
"We have consulted closely with the sector and will introduce new regulations to ensure people working in healthcare are vaccinated from next spring.
An impact report estimates that by the end of the grace period around 88,000 health workers, including 73,000 NHS staff, and 35,000 social care workers will remain unvaccinated.
It warns that any reduction in the workforce “may lead to reduced or delayed services”, with the NHS already facing a record backlog of care and grappling with high vacancy rates.
Estimates included in the document suggest that around 54,000 unvaccinated staff will take up the offer of a jab as a result of the policy.
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