NHS England has issued new directions to NHS vaccination hubs and local clinical commissions groups (CCGs) reiterating their responsibility to ensure that physiotherapists and physio support workers outside the NHS, and physio students on placement outside the NHS, should be offered Covid-19 vaccinations urgently.
The new directions, titled Assurance of COVID-19 vaccination offer for all eligible health and social care workers, state that all eligible frontline health and care workers - including those who work in independent, voluntary and non-standard healthcare settings - should have been offered a vaccination by 15 February.
Commenting, CSP policy director Rob Yeldham said: 'We welcome the clear direction to vaccination hubs and CCGs. But as it stands I fear the government's deadline for all healthcare professionals to be vaccinated by mid-February won’t be achieved.
'Whilst many members outside the NHS have been able to book their vaccinations we are still hearing of hubs and CCGs turning members away or simply being uncontactable.
We are pressing for an easier booking system for health workers outside the NHS, and in the meantime for the vaccines programme to make a comprehensive list of booking links available to us so that we can share them with members.
[Important update below]
Self-referral system only available until 28 February
A self-referral vaccination booking system is now available to all eligible non-NHS health and social care practitioners, as well as NHS health and care staff - but the system closes at the end of this month, so make sure you don't miss the deadline.
The national booking system is available until 28 February and allows NHS and non-NHS physiotherapy staff to book a vaccination at a vaccination centre or community pharmacy led local vaccination service online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
You should try online booking first but if this is not possible, you can phone 119 free of charge, 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
When using the online or telephone service, non-NHS physios, physio support workers and students will need to self-declare at the point of booking and you will be asked for identification when you attend your vaccination appointment.
This could be a work photo ID card, a signed letter of authorisation from your employer / business or a wage slip that is dated within the last three months.
Where a work photo ID is not available, alternative photographic identification (eg passport or driving license) is also required to support verification.
Any NHS staff who still require a vaccination after 28 February will need to request one through their employer.
Further information on vaccinations can be found at the CSP Covid hub
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