CARER workers in Wiltshire have until November to be fully vaccinated under new industry regulations.

Under new rules anyone working in or entering care homes will need to be fully vaccinated unless they are exempt.

This new rule is due to come into effect on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

What this means for carers working in CQC homes in Wiltshire is that they must have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by September 16.

It’s important to note that any booster vaccines have not been included in the regulations, thus far.

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Wiltshire Council has three CQC care homes across the county (Bradbury house, Bradbury Manor and Meadow Lodge) in which it employs around 100 staff.

A report into the mandatory vaccine legislation said: “In addition, we have approximately another 300 staff in adult social care who as part of their duties visit CQC homes which are owned by other organisations, e.g. Order of St John Care Trust.

“For staff who have been confirmed as being medically exempt from vaccination the service will need to undertake a risk assessment to reduce risk of transmission. This may result in a change in duties for these staff."

The report continues that if a carer has refused the vaccine and is not exempt, then the local authority may look at other roles for staff.

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“Ultimately as the requirement to have the vaccination is now a legal requirement and if an alternative role is not possible or available, the disciplinary policy would be applied,” it added.

Explaining the policy, the council said: “The council’s registered person also has to check and record that all other people who nter one of our CQC homes have also been vaccinated.

“This includes, volunteers, students, agency staff and contractors. There are exemptions for emergency situations.

“It is also a legislative requirement that the council hold a record to prove that all staff in relevant roles have had the Covid-19 vaccination or are medically exempt.

"This information will be held in SAP and can be reported out when required as part of a CQC inspection.”

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Cabinet member for public health, Simon Jacobs said: “We strongly advocate Covid vaccination for everyone who is eligible, including the mandatory vaccination for care home staff, as we know that Covid vaccination protects those vaccinated, by reducing the risk of developing serious illness, long Covid or death. The vaccine also protects others around you, since vaccinated people are less likely to spread the virus.

“Our Public Health Wiltshire team would like to reassure people about the safety of Covid vaccination.

"There is no evidence, and no theoretical reason why any of the vaccines can affect the fertility of women or men.

"People of reproductive age are advised to have the vaccine when they receive their invitation, including those who are actively trying to have a baby as well as those who are thinking about having a baby, whether that is in the near future or in a few years’ time.

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“In terms of care staff employed by Wiltshire Council, we will ensure that staff working in care homes are fully vaccinated and will offer support and advice where required.”