Guidance on compulsory vaccination in care home settings: an overview for employers

Since the government announced its plans to introduce compulsory vaccination for anyone (unless exempt) entering a care home setting, the industry has been waiting for further details on how these rules will operate on a practical level.

The government released their operational guidance for care business owners, covering:

• how employees can prove their vaccination status
• how care business owners can properly record vaccination (or exemption) status
• the data protection implications of asking for and recording vaccination status
• a list of those who will be exempt from compulsory vaccination

In addition, on 1 October, the Department of Health and Social Care published their long-awaited guidance on how individuals can evidence medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Our HR & Employment Law experts have outlined the key information in the government’s 49-page operational guidance so you can start to get to grips with what impact this key legislation will have on your care business.

What’s changing?

From 11 November 2021, all care home workers in England, and anyone entering a care home, will need to be fully vaccinated, unless they are exempt under the regulations.

This requirement forms part of the fundamental standards and will be monitored and enforced by CQC.

The rule only applies to people who go inside the care setting; therefore, anyone who is not entering the building doesn’t need to show their vaccination status. Although checks may be carried out by other members of staff acting under the instruction of the registered person, it remains the responsibility of the registered person.

Download your FREE copy of our full guide now, where you can access:

• How can employees prove their vaccination status?
• Recording vaccination and exemption status
• Data protection implications
• Do the rules apply to booster doses of the vaccination?
• When will people need to have received their first vaccination in order to be fully vaccinated by 11 November?
• Medical exemption
• Plus, much more!

Simply enter your details to our form opposite to get started.