{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Staff Vaccination Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff within {{org_field_name}} are adequately protected through vaccinations, reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission to service users, colleagues, and the wider community. This policy aligns with our commitment to maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control, safeguarding the well-being of both employees and service users, particularly those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or otherwise vulnerable.

This policy ensures compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) guidelines.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, administrative staff, and management.
• Agency workers, volunteers, and contractors delivering services on behalf of the organisation.
• Service users and their families, ensuring transparency regarding vaccination policies.
• Regulatory bodies, ensuring adherence to statutory healthcare requirements.

It covers:

• Mandatory and recommended vaccinations.
• Vaccination procedures and record-keeping.
• Exemptions and accommodations.
• Infection prevention and outbreak control.
• Staff training and awareness.
• Compliance, monitoring, and policy updates.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Ensuring safe, effective care.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Requiring infection prevention measures.
• Public Health England (PHE) Guidelines – Advising on vaccinations for healthcare staff.
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring reasonable accommodations for staff unable to receive vaccinations.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensuring confidentiality in vaccination records.

4. Mandatory and Recommended Vaccinations

Our domiciliary care organisation follows national health recommendations for staff vaccinations. These include:

• Mandatory Vaccinations (for frontline care staff, where required by law):
  • Influenza (seasonal flu vaccine).
  • COVID-19 (subject to government guidance and risk assessments).
  • Hepatitis B (for staff at risk of bloodborne exposure).
• Recommended Vaccinations:
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) – for staff without confirmed immunity.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) – particularly for those in close contact with vulnerable individuals.
  • Varicella (chickenpox) – for non-immune staff.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) – for staff working in high-risk areas.

5. Vaccination Procedures and Record-Keeping

To ensure effective vaccination management:

• All new staff must provide vaccination records during pre-employment health screening.
• Vaccination status is recorded securely in compliance with GDPR.
• Staff will be offered vaccinations through occupational health services or NHS programs.
• Annual flu vaccination programs will be arranged before flu season.
• Booster vaccinations will be arranged as per government and health authority guidance.

6. Exemptions and Accommodations

We recognise that some staff may be unable or unwilling to receive vaccinations due to:

• Medical contraindications (e.g., severe allergies, immunosuppressive conditions).
• Religious or philosophical beliefs, where legally protected under the Equality Act 2010.

For staff who are exempt:

• A risk assessment will be conducted to determine alternative safety measures.
• Additional PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) may be required.
• Regular testing and infection control measures will be enforced to minimise risks.

7. Infection Prevention and Outbreak Control

To protect service users and staff, we implement:

• Enhanced hygiene and infection control measures, particularly during outbreaks.
• Isolation procedures where necessary.
• Regular health screenings for symptoms of contagious diseases.
• Temporary redeployment of unvaccinated staff in high-risk situations, where necessary.

8. Staff Training and Awareness

To ensure informed decision-making and compliance:

• All staff will receive mandatory training on infection prevention, vaccinations, and outbreak management.
• Regular awareness campaigns will highlight the importance of vaccinations in preventing illness.
• Educational materials will be provided to support informed consent for vaccinations.

9. Compliance, Monitoring, and Policy Review

To maintain policy effectiveness:

• Annual audits of staff vaccination records will be conducted.
• Compliance checks will be performed during routine infection control inspections.
• The policy will be reviewed annually or when new health regulations emerge.
• Staff and service user feedback will be considered for continuous improvement.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• New vaccination mandates are introduced by the government or public health authorities.
• Regulatory or CQC guidance requires amendments.
• Service user or staff feedback suggests improvements.

---

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.