One in four care home workers disagree with mandatory vaccination

One in four care home staff disagree with mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, which is to come into force in England on 11 November, according to a new survey.

Just under a third also disagree with compulsory vaccinations for those visiting care homes, according to carehome.co.uk, which polled over 4,000 care home staff.

The findings by carehome.co.uk, a leading reviews website for care homes, come as the government announces to keep residents safe, from 11 November 2021, all those who work in care homes in England will be required to have received two jabs in order to be eligible to work.

There are currently no plans for similar policies to come into force in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Immunologists believe people who have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to transmit the virus.

They say vaccinated people who do contract the virus will be less infectious as they will have lower levels of the virus in their bodies. They also slow the spread of the virus by breaking the chain of infection.

Previous government analysis in its impact report predicts that seven per cent of care home workers are likely to refuse vaccines against the virus, resulting in around 40,000 staff losing their jobs. However, carehome.co.uk’s findings suggest that opposition to the policy within the sector is significantly higher.

The survey, conducted between 27 – 28 July, also found that over half of respondents, 51 per cent said COVID-19 vaccines had already been mandated for staff in their care homes.

The results also revealed notable opposition to compulsory vaccines for family and friends visiting care home residents, with 32 per cent disagreeing.

Current guidance strongly recommends visitors to have received two jabs, although there is no statutory requirement to have been vaccinated when visiting a care home.

'Majority are in favour' but 'we could lose a huge number of care home staff'

A spokesperson for carehome.co.uk, said: “These findings show a majority of care home staff are in favour of mandatory vaccination. It is such a sensitive issue and people are so diametrically opposed.

“On the one hand, we have already lost thousands of care home residents to this awful virus and we should do everything we can to protect them. But on the other hand, by forcing people to have the vaccine, we could lose a huge number of care home staff, many of whom love working in care and see it as a real vocation.

“The government needs to give care homes some much needed support over the coming months to ensure they can cope with a possible recruitment crisis if care workers do end up leaving because of this policy.

“The huge number of deaths in care homes have been catastrophic and if compulsory vaccination of care home staff gives residents better protection that it should definitely be welcomed. But not if it plunges care homes into a staffing crisis as that is also detrimental to the health of residents and can put their lives in danger.”

Ensuring colleagues are 'fully vaccinated' is essential 'in keeping our residents safe'

John Godden, chief executive of Salutem Healthcare, has already adopted a policy of compulsory vaccination for front line staff in their two homes.

Mr Godden said: “This move received near total support from colleagues and those we care for.

"Above all, in this sector, we have a duty of care to those we support and ensuring our colleagues are fully vaccinated against this pernicious disease is essential in keeping our residents safe."

Mandatory vaccination will 'increase mistrust'

However, Neil Russell, head of PJ Care which operate three care homes, has labelled the government’s policy "appalling and likely to spread mistrust of the vaccine".

Speaking of his opposition to the move, Mr Russell said: "There are many reasons staff may have for waiting to have the vaccine, or even refusing it altogether – being pregnant is one example as there is not yet enough evidence to determine the safety of the vaccines for expectant mothers.

“It is a case of trust. This mistrust can be overcome, but only through time and demonstration of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Making it mandatory will only increase the mistrust.”

It's important to protect the vulnerable people we care for'

Tessa Diprose, a care assistant at Oakland Care’s Hastings Court care home, agrees that those working in care homes should be required to be vaccinated, saying that “it’s very important to protect ourselves and the vulnerable people we care for.”

She added: “I have seen the effects of COVID-19 first-hand and would not wish it on anyone. Having both vaccines, I feel more protected.

"I understand that I can still get COVID-19 but it gives me reassurance that I won’t end up in hospital or transfer it to the people I am caring for. I think all care staff or people working with the elderly should have the vaccine or they should not be working with vulnerable people.”

'This is pure discrimination against those who refuse for personal reasons'

Yet, a care worker at a London care home, who did not want to be identified, says that refusing to get vaccinated does not mean that she doesn’t put the interests of residents first.

She said her decision to reject the vaccine “stems from the fact that it is an experimental vaccine to which I am not consenting to.”

She added “to those who say that I am being selfish, irresponsible and am not putting residents first, you are so far off the mark.

“Putting residents first has always and still is at the heart of my caring. This is pure discrimination against those who refuse for their own personal reasons. I am about to lose a job I love in a care home that has respected my choice throughout.

“I would like to have continued in this profession until I retire in three years’ time but sadly this has now come to an end.”

The survey ran from 27/07/21 until 28/07/21. Full details of the questions be found below

Do you think the Covid vaccine should be made mandatory for all care workers (unless medically exempt)?

Yes – 67%

No – 27%

Don’t know – 6%

Do you think vaccinations should be mandatory for all care home visitors (unless medically exempt)?

Yes – 59%

No – 32%

Don’t know – 9%

Has your care home made the Covid vaccine mandatory for all staff?

Yes – 51%

No – 34%

Don’t know – 15%

click here for more details or to contact carehome.co.uk