Care home boss says madatory vaccines for care staff could break morale

Birkdale Park Care Home manager Jonathan Cunningham says proposals to enforce mandatory vaccines on care home staff could break already fragile staff morale.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the idea is being considered by the government’s coronavirus taskforce but that no decisions have been confirmed.

Mr Hancock said that 90% of elderly care home residents had received two coronavirus vaccinations, but take up of staff had been lower at 75%.

Mr Cunningham said: “The recent announcement that it may become mandatory for care workers to be vaccinated is not something that I support.

“Whilst the spirit and intent are fully understood to safeguard societies most vulnerable, the thought of a mandated vaccination programme will only serve to shatter the fragile good will of care workers and NHS staff across the UK. Many will see this as the last straw after a horrific year.

“This would only serve to play into the hands of the conspirators, anti-vaxers and all those who still shun the devastation of this terrible virus. We are not a police state that requires to use such approaches but instead we need to engage in conversations to those staff who remain anxious. Equally there are very real circumstances that the taking of the vaccine is not advised on rare health grounds.

“Mandatory vaccination is not the approach the government should be considering. This is a time for recognising our care staff.”