ALL NHS staff entering a CQC-regulated care home in England on or after 11 November must provide evidence that they have had two doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine or are exempt.
New government regulations come into force on that day requiring care home staff to refuse entry to anybody who cannot provide such evidence via the NHS COVID Pass service.
NHS staff must have had two doses of a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Covid-19 vaccine or hold a specified exemption. This applies to all CQC-regulated care homes providing nursing or personal care in England.
Timing in regard to this requirement is crucial. Current vaccination guidance requires eight weeks between the first and second vaccine dose therefore all staff being deployed into a care home – who are not exempt – should have had their first dose by 16 September 2021 at the latest.
Government guidance states that providers of all NHS-funded services, including sub-contractors, which enter care homes need to ensure staff can be legally admitted. Proactive workforce planning should take place to ensure service disruption is avoided.
FAQs on the requirements have been published by NHS England.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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