Covid vaccinations to be mandatory for staff in care homes unless they are exempt

Covid vaccinations are to become compulsory for staff in elderly care homes in England.

Care staff are expected to be given 16 weeks to have the jab or be moved to non frontline duties or even lose their jobs.

The plan is expected to be announced by the government in the next few days.

Consultations will begin on a similar rule for other health and care staff.

Care organisations have warned that compulsory vaccinations could cause significant difficulties in a sector that already struggles to recruit enough people.

The government, however, is believed to have considerable concerns about low take-up of the vaccine in some areas, including London.

A Whitehall source told the BBC: “These moves would save lives and there is precedent with the Hepatitis B vaccine guidance for doctors.”

Workers who can prove they are medically exempt from getting the vaccine will not be made to take the vaccine.