CH66. Coronavirus (Covid-19) Vaccination of People Receiving Care and Staff in Care Homes
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Coronavirus (Covid-19) Vaccination of People Receiving Care and Staff in Care Homes Policy
Policy Statement
To fully protect staff and people receiving care in {{org_field_name}} from the risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic, {{org_field_name}} will comply fully with the Covid-19 vaccination programme for the UK, including the booster programmes.
In the vaccination roll-out people receiving care in {{org_field_name}} and staff as frontline carers have been the highest priority group for vaccination across the whole of the UK. The home has been fully involved in the vaccination roll-out to date and will continue to ensure that its people receiving care are offered the vaccine, including booster jabs, and will always support them practically and emotionally to receive it.
{{org_field_name}} is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its people receiving care and staff at all times. It will comply fully with the guidance on vaccination and ensure that all people receiving care and staff are given the opportunity for safe access to the vaccine in any future developments.
Procedures
Vaccination of People Receiving Care
In {{org_field_name}}:
- people receiving care are being encouraged and supported to access the Covid-19 vaccine where it is safe and appropriate for them to do so and where vaccination is recommended by GPs
- all vaccination will be based on compliance and informed choice and delivered as part of a person-centred plan of care
- people receiving care and their families will be provided with full information about the vaccine and the vaccination process, including information relating to side-effects
- vaccine information will be provided in a format that the person receiving care can best understand and discussed with them and their families so that they are able to make informed decisions about vaccination — staff should make every effort to address people’s fears and worries about the vaccine and to provide information in an appropriate manner
- where necessary, in cases where someone lacks capacity, the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 will be applied in compliance with care home procedures and policies on mental capacity
- the care plan of any person receiving care who does not consent to have the vaccine or for whom it is not recommended on medical grounds will reflect any additional infection prevention measures that might be needed to ensure everyone’s safety
- a range of Covid-19 vaccination resources — such as information leaflets and posters — will be provided and displayed
- records will be kept of all vaccines administered in compliance with the home’s medicines policies — {{org_field_name}} recognises that the full primary course of most Covid-19 vaccines is two doses followed up by booster vaccinations as recommended by public health doctors
- vaccination may be temporarily deferred in some individuals, eg those who are acutely unwell or who are still within four weeks of onset of Covid-19 symptoms
- staff will monitor anyone who has had their vaccination for possible side-effects or reactions to the vaccine — any concerns should be reported immediately to the person in charge who will take appropriate action to obtain suitable medical support.
Organisational Issues (as applicable)
On delivery of any vaccines to people receiving care on-site, the home will liaise fully with the relevant vaccinating team and ensure that all appropriate facilities are provided. Safety of people receiving care and staff will be a key consideration and all necessary Covid-19 mitigation and infection prevention measures will be taken. Care home staff who assist with the vaccination will be provided with appropriate training.
Chapter 14a of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Green Book on infection prevention and control states that there are very few individuals who cannot receive any of the approved vaccines and that individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to food, an identified drug or vaccine, or an insect sting, can safely receive the vaccines, as long as they are not known to be allergic to any component parts of the vaccine.
The Green Book advises that, where there is doubt, rather than withholding vaccination, appropriate advice should be sought from the relevant specialist, or from the local immunisation or health protection team. Recipients should be monitored for 15 minutes after vaccination.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) also reminds providers that vaccination should only be carried out in facilities where resuscitation measures are available. All staff carrying out vaccinations should be trained in basic life support and in the management of anaphylaxis.
Recipients of the vaccine should be informed that protection against Covid-19 disease may not be fully effective until at least seven days after the second dose. However, in all cases vaccinated individuals should be advised to maintain all Covid-19 precautions, such as social distancing and enhanced hand hygiene.
Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, should be informed that they may have a diminished immune response.
Staff who become involved in supporting the delivery of vaccines to people receiving care will be expected to do so in full compliance with training and supervision provided.
Supporting Staff Vaccination
{{org_field_name}} manager will follow all official guidance to:
- ensure that staff are supported to access suitable Covid-19 vaccination services and advice — this will usually be achieved in collaboration with the local authority and with local NHS trusts, GP practices or vaccination provider services
- keep staff records of vaccinations
- consider the Covid-secure logistics of releasing staff to receive their vaccine, while maintaining staffing levels within their home
- ensure that staff give their consent to any arrangements made on their behalf by {{org_field_name}} and to any sharing of personal data, which must be on a “need to know” basis
- liaise with local health protection teams where expert advice or support is required.
Staff in {{org_field_name}} should note that the mandatory Covid-19 vaccination of care home staff, introduced under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021, was withdrawn in March 2022 and the law revoked. This means that it is no longer a requirement for people to have received a Covid-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in any health or social care settings, including care homes.
{{org_field_name}} understands that, despite the mandatory vaccination law being revoked, it remains strongly recommended that all health and adult social care staff are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This recommendation, which is supported by all professional bodies, is not only vital for their own protection but also for the protection of other staff and vulnerable individuals.
Training
All new staff will be instructed in this policy as part of their induction. Staff who will be involved in supporting the administration of the vaccine to people receiving care will be required to access appropriate training and competency checks as required.
Review and Monitoring
Overall responsibility for ensuring that the policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed rests with {{org_field_name}} manager.
The home is aware that guidance relating to Covid-19 care and prevention has sometimes changed rapidly during the pandemic. Any updates to the vaccination programme will be monitored and, where necessary, included in this policy.
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}}
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