SL141-Staff Vaccination Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Staff Vaccination Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively manages staff vaccinations to protect service users, staff, and visitors from vaccine-preventable diseases. This policy is in line with the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, Public Health England (PHE) guidelines, and industry best practices to reduce the risk of infection transmission within our supported living environments.

The policy outlines the approach to staff vaccinations, including requirements, compliance measures, risk assessments, record-keeping, and management of exemptions. It aims to promote a safe and healthy working environment, reduce sickness absence, and ensure regulatory compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members within {{org_field_name}}, including permanent employees, temporary staff, agency workers, and volunteers who may come into contact with service users. It also applies to external contractors and visiting professionals, where applicable.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

3.1 CQC and Government Guidelines

This policy aligns with CQC Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent and control infections.
Compliance with Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
Adherence to Public Health England (PHE) vaccination guidelines, including seasonal and mandatory vaccinations where required.

3.2 Mandatory Vaccinations

In line with government guidance, the following vaccinations are strongly recommended for staff:
- COVID-19 vaccination (as per current NHS recommendations)
- Influenza (flu) vaccination (administered annually before winter)
- Hepatitis B vaccination (for staff with exposure to bodily fluids)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination (for staff without immunity)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccination (for staff with no history of chickenpox)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio booster (as per NHS guidelines)
- BCG vaccination (for staff at risk of tuberculosis exposure)

4. Implementation of the Staff Vaccination Programme

4.1 Pre-Employment Screening and Vaccination Requirements

All new staff undergo a pre-employment health assessment, which includes a review of their vaccination status.
Proof of vaccination history must be provided upon onboarding. If records are unavailable, staff will be offered relevant vaccinations.
Staff working in high-risk areas (e.g., those providing personal care) must complete vaccination requirements before commencing duties.

4.2 Ongoing Vaccination Compliance and Record-Keeping

Vaccination records are securely stored in staff health files in compliance with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Staff are reminded annually of their vaccination status and upcoming booster doses.
Compliance audits are conducted to ensure adherence to vaccination policies.
Managers track and facilitate staff vaccinations through occupational health services or NHS vaccination programmes.

5. Management of Vaccination Refusals and Exemptions

5.1 Medical and Religious Exemptions

Staff who are unable to receive vaccinations due to medical contraindications must provide documented evidence from a healthcare professional.
Religious or personal objections to vaccination are considered on a case-by-case basis, with risk assessments conducted to determine potential workplace adjustments.
Where an exemption is granted, alternative protective measures (e.g., enhanced PPE use, regular COVID-19 testing) will be implemented.

5.2 Risk Assessment for Unvaccinated Staff

A risk assessment is conducted for all staff who decline vaccination to determine:
- Risk of disease transmission to vulnerable service users.
- Alternative infection control measures required.
- Adjustments to work duties, if necessary.
Risk assessment outcomes are reviewed periodically and updated in response to changing infection risks.

6. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

6.1 Role of Vaccination in Infection Prevention

Vaccination is a key component of our infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy.
Staff are educated on the benefits of vaccinations in reducing workplace outbreaks and protecting vulnerable service users.
Regular training sessions reinforce best practices in infection control, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and respiratory etiquette.

6.2 Workplace Hygiene and Additional Precautions

Unvaccinated staff may be required to take additional precautions, such as weekly lateral flow testing during high-risk periods.
Enhanced PPE protocols (e.g., FFP3 masks for high-risk situations) will be implemented where needed.
Regular environmental cleaning and disinfection measures are enforced to reduce transmission risks.

7. Staff Support and Well-being

7.1 Access to Occupational Health Support

Staff are encouraged to discuss any concerns about vaccinations with occupational health professionals.
Information and support are provided to address vaccine hesitancy, including Q&A sessions with healthcare professionals.

7.2 Sickness Absence and Post-Vaccine Support

Staff experiencing side effects following vaccination are supported with flexible scheduling or temporary adjustments to duties.
Sick leave policies accommodate short-term vaccine-related symptoms to ensure staff well-being.

8. Monitoring and Policy Review

8.1 Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Monthly compliance checks are conducted to track staff vaccination uptake.
Annual reports are compiled for CQC inspections, demonstrating adherence to infection control policies.
Non-compliance trends are reviewed, and corrective actions are implemented where necessary.

8.2 Continuous Improvement and Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to updated CQC guidelines, NHS recommendations, or emerging public health threats.
Staff feedback is collected to refine vaccination policies and improve engagement.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

SL02 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
SL07 – Health and Safety Policy
SL13 – Risk Management and Incident Reporting Policy
SL19 – Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
SL25 – Staff Training and Development Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant changes occur in public health guidance or CQC regulations.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.