THERE has been a mixed reaction in Bradford to reports that Covid-19 vaccination will be mandatory for care home staff. 

One Bradford care boss said there should be “no delay” in the move, while others have advocated for an education-based approach. 

Following a consultation carried out into using staff vaccination in England to protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19, ministers are understood to be due to announce the move in the coming days.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is known to be in favour, while England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has said doctors and care workers have a “professional responsibility” to protect their patients.

Care leaders yesterday met with Government officials amid concerns the move could put people off working in the sector. 

Konrad Czajka, chairman of the Bradford Care Association, who is also the managing director of Saltaire-based Czajka Care Group, told the Telegraph & Argus: “A recurring theme in all of the guidance related to Covid-19 is that it is the care provider’s responsibility to reduce risk in a care setting, whether in a care home or in the service users’ own home. 

“People will only be safe if a culture of safety is embedded in the care provider’s services. 

“There should therefore be no delay in implementing new guidance making Covid vaccinations mandatory for care home staff. 

“If staff are vaccinated, well cared for and listened to, as well as having their physical and mental wellbeing considered, the workforce will be both healthier and

happier.”
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Dr Amir Khan, who works at the Ridge Medical Practice in Bradford, said: “My personal experience, I’ve been responsible for vaccinating the residents and the staff our practice looks after, and we’ve got five in total, and I’ve had no problem vaccinating the staff.

“They’ve all come forward, some of them have been hesitant and asked me questions about it, and I’ve talked through their concerns and in the end, all of them had gone on to have the vaccine. 

“I personally don’t think vaccines should be made mandatory, I think it should be done through education, listening to concerns, making sure people have the right information so they can make an informed choice, trying to challenge the misinformation that’s out there.”

Dr Khan said caring is a “tough job” and raised concern that if vaccines were mandatory, it might drive people out of the sector, leaving a “big hole” and impacting the NHS.

A Bradford Council  spokesperson said: “Staff and care providers have all been heroic in their support for our most vulnerable residents throughout the pandemic. Overwhelmingly they want to do the right thing for the vulnerable people they serve.  

“Even before this announcement, Bradford Council has been working closely with care associations, care homes and other care workers to offer them the help and information they need to get all staff in the district vaccinated to offer that protection from Covid-19.”