Compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for care workers – new regulations to proceed

Following a consultation with the care sector and the public, the Government has announced it is bringing forward regulations to make vaccination a condition for any individual working in a CQC-regulated care home providing nursing or personal care in England.

The regulations still need to be approved by parliament which will then be followed by a 16-week grace period to enable staff not yet vaccinated to take up the vaccine.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign helpline has received a number of enquiries from people living with severe allergies who are worried about the introduction of compulsory covid-19 vaccination in the workplace.

It is very important to note that the vast majority of people with severe allergies can safely receive their Covid-19 vaccination without the need for any special precautions.

Under current guidance a small number of people with prior anaphylaxis to multiple different drug types, previous vaccines or unexplained anaphylaxis may be advised to have their vaccination in a hospital setting with extra precautions following specialist allergy advice and in rare cases where there is an identified allergy to a vaccine ingredient, they may be advised against vaccination altogether.

The proposals put forward by the government do include exceptions for those individuals who have been advised by a medical professional not to be vaccinated. The consultation outcome states:-

‘There will be a small number of people where the clinical advice is that the COVID-19 vaccination is not suitable for them. We will ensure that the regulations allow for exemptions on medical grounds. 

The regulations will be drafted in line with the Green Book on Immunisation against infectious disease (COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a) and The Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which reflect clinical advice. 

 Individuals will be exempt from the requirement if they have an allergy or condition that the Green Book lists (Chapter 14a, page 16) as a reason not to administer a vaccine, for example prior allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine, including polyethylene glycol (PEG). 

 Some individuals have an allergy or condition where the Green Book or the JCVI advises seeking medical advice, before proceeding with vaccination, where a professional medical opinion should be sought on whether the individual should be exempt. 

 The government is considering the least burdensome way for people to demonstrate to their employers that they are medically exempt from vaccination.’

For more information about the guidelines for vaccination of people with severe allergies please refer to our detailed FAQ page here or phone our helpline on 01252 542029