Updated operational support guidance on mandatory vaccinations in care homes

The Department of Health and Social Care has this week (19 October 2021) updated its operational guidance on the vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes. It was first published on 4 August 2021 and you can read our earlier blog on the guidance here. It now reflects the Department’s guidance published on 1 October 2021 on the vaccine exemption process.

With less than four weeks until the new regulations come into force on 11 November 2021, requiring anyone working or volunteering in a CQC registered care home in England to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (unless exempt), the Department’s updated operational guidance provides welcome clarification in a number of areas that will be of interest to care home providers busy implementing the regulations.

Key changes cover

Individuals vaccinated abroad

The guidance now provides that individuals can self-certify as medically exempt if they are vaccinated abroad by following the guidance on temporary medical exemptions – you can read our earlier blog here. It is worth noting that the new formal medical exemptions process currently does not apply to individuals vaccinated abroad. Self-certification for medical exemptions will continue for this group until further notice.

Getting a medical exemption

From 1 October 2021, individuals are able to apply formally for a medical exemption – and you can read our post here.

Exemptions

The guidance has been updated with more information on temporary and formal medical exemptions which we cover in our earlier blog here.