The vaccination programmes are managed by the health departments in each UK country or crown dependency. Information on arrangements for each territory can be found in the FAQs below
The CSP supports vaccination as a key public health intervention which saves lives and reduces the chances of debilitating long-term illnesses including Covid.
Vaccines are tested and shown to be both safe and effective. We therefore encourage all members and patients for whom vaccinations are recommended to be vaccinated.
We recognise, however, that a person’s individual state of health, or personal beliefs, may mean that vaccination is not appropriate for everyone. We therefore believe that vaccination should remain voluntary.
In prioritising vaccine programmes we believe that the disproportionate health outcomes for Black and Asian people should be considered as a significant risk factor.
Frequently asked questions on the vaccine
How far can I go in promoting my own views on vaccinations?
The CSP recognises that robust scientific discussion covering a range of validly held opinions, including scepticism, is an important part of healthy professional debate. However, there is a significant risk of opinions becoming unprofessional when people feel they are under pressure.
The HCPC may consider a registrant’s fitness to practise is impaired if it is found that they have deliberately promoted anti-vax material, and this may include the sanction of being removed from the register. The CSP strongly advises members not to create or share anti-vax messages even where they are seeking to rebut them, and instead we ask that you promote the positive benefits of vaccination instead.
What is the HCPC's stance on vaccination?
HCPC does not have specific guidance about the need to disclose vaccination status to service users. HCPC strongly encourages registrants to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and believe this is a safe and highly effective way for registrants to reduce risk to themselves, their colleagues and their service users.
If a registrant is not vaccinated and works in a setting where they are not required by law or by their employer to be vaccinated, they would instead expect the registrant to put in place other appropriate measures to manage the risk posed to them, colleagues and service users.
Registrants need to be confident that measures are in place where they work to manage any risk of transmission that their health may pose to service users, and they need to take appropriate steps individually to reduce risks and prioritise safety. While all Fitness to Practise (FtP) cases are unique, it is unlikely that a registrant being unvaccinated will raise an FtP issue in and of itself.
On 31 January 2022 the government announced its intention to ask professional regulators operating across health to urgently review their current guidance on vaccinations. The HCPC has declined so far to make Covid-19 vaccination a professional requirement and the CSP will be encouraging them to maintain this position.
Are vaccinations mandatory for NHS staff?
It is not currently mandatory (i.e. required by law) for healthcare staff to be immunised. This includes covid-19 and flu vaccinations.
- See Public Health England’s Green Book: Chapter 12 Immunisation of healthcare and laboratory staff
However, it is important to check your own trust’s staff immunisation policy as they may have their own requirements to work in specific clinical areas. For example, trusts may require staff to prove that they have been vaccinated or are immune to Hepatitis B before carrying out exposure-prone procedures.
How to book a vaccine
Find out whether you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine or booster, and learn how to book your vaccination visit. Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man are following the same approach as the UK countries